It’s All About Control
The first reason is control and manipulation. Narcissists thrive on controlling others, so by keeping perceived enemies close, they can monitor them and manipulate situations to their advantage. This proximity also allows them to influence the narrative, control how others perceive this individual, and undermine them subtly. They get to stay informed about their movements and plans, which allows them to sabotage and delay their progress. Narcissists prefer to keep a close eye on their competitors. In fact, narcissists are twisted enough to marry people they secretly envy or hate to monopolize their time and ruin their lives. They enjoy having a front-row seat to your destruction, especially when they know they had a role in it.
It’s All A Game
The second reason is power play. Life is a game to the narcissist—everyone is their competition, and their goal is to win at all costs. Keeping their enemies close is about power dynamics, as it allows them to assert dominance and create a sense of superiority. This way, they can engage in psychological games like gaslighting or making their enemies feel insecure or inferior.
Social Appearances
The third reason is social appearances. Even if it’s well-known that the narcissist and another person don’t see eye-to-eye for any reason, many narcissists are more concerned about how they’re perceived by others. They maintain a façade of friendliness or civility to appear magnanimous or diplomatic in public. This helps preserve their reputation while they secretly undermine or discredit the individual.
Narcissistic Supply
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