Widow/er Narcissist: Your Inconsiderate Death, Bad Mother!
In this lecture, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the narcissist’s reaction to the death of a significant person in their life, such as a partner or a friend. He explains that the narcissist reacts with entitlement, a belief in their own immortality, and a sense of betrayal and abandonment. The narcissist’s reaction is compared to that of an infant’s temper tantrum and is rooted in their need for external regulation and a search for a “good enough mother.” Vaknin also delves into the impact of the death on the narcissist’s psyche, including feelings of shame and potential regression to borderline-like behaviors or even psychosis. He concludes by suggesting that the best course of action is to move on and cut off contact with the narcissist.