5. Triangulation
When a narcissist is alone, they are often on their phone creating conflict, chaos, competition, and manipulating others from a distance, always stirring the pot and trying to gain control over people and situations. Due to their fear of being perceived as inadequate or flawed, they often triangulate people in their lives to boost their own self-image and maintain control over their sources of supply. Triangulation involves bringing third parties into a relationship dynamic, typically by comparing or contrasting one person with another, isolating and gaslighting others by sowing seeds of doubt, jealousy, and insecurity, and creating division among these people, making them more susceptible to the narcissist’s manipulations.
6. Recklessness & Impulsivity
When left alone with their thoughts, narcissists often feel very shameful. To cope with these feelings, they may engage in activities that provide instant gratification, such as substance use, excessive shopping, or reckless sexual activities. These activities offer instant distractions and immediate gratification, allowing the narcissist to temporarily escape from the emotional discomfort they are experiencing.
7. Hoovering
If they can’t find a new source of supply or simply don’t want to make the effort, narcissists will reach out to old sources of supply. Most narcissists have a list of old suppliers, such as exes who haven’t fully cut them off yet. The ex might think they are special because the narcissist is still reaching out to them, but in reality, they are like a convenience store, a backup plan, and the person the narcissist goes to for a quick fill-up anytime their tank is low. Whether the narcissist is in a relationship or not, they may reach out and flirt, complain about their new relationship, or tell the ex that they can’t get over them, all aimed at getting supply quickly. They are likely reaching out to multiple people, and whoever responds first gets to fill their tank.
What They AREN’T Doing
Continue reading on the next page
Sharing is caring!
