Narcissists are often driven by their need for control, validation, and admiration from those around them. When someone who was once under their influence finally moves on and heals, it disrupts their sense of power. While narcissists may not always show it, they have a variety of thoughts and reactions when they realize you’ve broken free from their grasp. Here are 10 thoughts that typically run through a narcissist’s mind once you move on and heal.
1. “How Dare They Move On Without Me?”
Narcissists believe they are irreplaceable. When someone leaves their orbit and starts thriving, it shakes their core belief that they are the most important person in others’ lives. They may feel insulted or even angry that you dared to move on without their permission or validation.
2. “Why Are They So Happy Without Me?”
Seeing you happy and healthy without them can be confusing and deeply unsettling for a narcissist. They often think that they are the reason for others’ happiness. When you flourish on your own, it contradicts their need to feel essential, making them question how you could possibly be content without their presence.
3. “I Didn’t Think They’d Ever Get Over Me”
Narcissists thrive on the belief that people remain emotionally attached to them, even after the relationship ends. They may be shocked to see that you’ve moved on emotionally, especially if they believed you would always be longing for them. This challenges their inflated sense of self-importance.
4. “I Must Have Been More Important Than I Thought”
Oddly, while a narcissist may be upset that you’ve moved on, they may also twist it into a compliment to their ego. They might think that if you’ve worked so hard to heal, it must mean they were incredibly important in your life. Even in your absence, they may try to spin your growth as a reflection of their significance.
5. “How Can I Get Them Back Under My Control?”
Narcissists hate losing control over someone they once manipulated. When you move on, their immediate instinct might be to think about how they can pull you back into their web. This could include reaching out, love-bombing, or using guilt and manipulation to regain control over your emotions.
Related : Ways to Unnerve a Narcissist That Will Surprise You!
6. “They Won’t Find Anyone Better Than Me”
Despite evidence to the contrary, narcissists often believe that no one could ever match their greatness. When you heal and start dating or connecting with new people, the narcissist may convince themselves that any future relationship you have will never compare to what you had with them.
7. “I Need to Ruin Their Happiness”
Narcissists can become vindictive when they see someone thriving without them. They might harbor thoughts of sabotaging your newfound happiness. Whether through spreading rumors, trying to discredit you, or attempting to cause problems in your new relationships, their desire to maintain control can lead them to destructive behavior.
8. “Maybe I Wasn’t as Great as I Thought”
Though they’ll never admit it openly, seeing someone move on can make a narcissist question their own perceived superiority. If you’re doing well without them, they may briefly wonder if they were as indispensable as they believed. This self-doubt can be fleeting but significant in moments of vulnerability.
9. “Everyone Will See I Wasn’t the Problem”
Narcissists are masters of projection, often blaming others for the issues in their relationships. When you heal and live a better life without them, it becomes harder for them to convince others that you were the problem. This realization can make them feel exposed, as their narrative of blaming you begins to crumble.
10. “I’ll Just Find Someone New”
When all else fails, a narcissist will often try to quickly move on to someone new. This is their way of soothing their bruised ego and regaining a sense of power. By jumping into a new relationship, they attempt to distract themselves from the fact that you’ve healed and are no longer under their control.
Conclusion
When you move on and heal from a narcissist, their sense of power and control is threatened, and their thoughts often revolve around trying to regain that control or finding ways to justify their inflated self-image. Remember, the narcissist’s reaction to your healing is not a reflection of your worth or progress. You’ve taken a major step toward a healthier, more fulfilled life—one that no longer revolves around their manipulation.
