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The Psychology Of Narcissistic Supply: What Is It And Why Do Narcissists Need It?
Can a narcissist turn their supply into a narcissist?
To survive and thrive, narcissists need to be constantly reassured that they are superior, special, and attractive people. Their self-esteem usually hangs precariously on others’ perceptions of them. This is what drives their need for narcissistic supply.
In psychology, narcissistic supply is a type of reinforcement that modifies the narcissist's behavior by providing attention, admiration, or other forms of positive reinforcement. It may be sought or achieved by attention-seeking behavior or public displays of admiration. In this article, I will explore what narcissistic supply is? Why do narcissists need a supply? Why do they discard their old supply and find a new one? Can a narcissist turn their supply into a narcissist?
What is a Narcissistic Supply?
Narcissists are often characterized as grandiose, egocentric, and needing excessive admiration. But what is it that they need this excessive admiration for? It’s something called narcissistic supply.
Narcissistic supply is a type of reinforcement that narcissists receive for their ego from other people. It can come in compliments, praise, or attention, but it’s essentially anything that makes narcissists feel good about themselves. Without it, they can feel empty, worthless, and even depressed.
Why the narcissist needs supply?
Though not many people know it, narcissists have a need for supply, the same need that drug addicts have for drugs or alcoholics have for alcohol. It’s an addiction.
They are addicted to attention and the need for adoration and admiration. Supply is the name given to the attention and adoration a narcissist receives from others. Even though narcissist often acts like they don’t want attention from others, it is the main driving force behind their behavior.
Narcissists cannot feel love, so they have to find a way to fill the void. That’s where the supply comes in. It fills that void. Supply is what the narcissist needs to feel good about themself. It is how they feel worthy of the love…
