The Emotional Latitude of Covert Narcissists: Do They Experience Regret, Guilt, or Pain After Abandoning Someone?

Covert narcissists often present themselves as charming and seemingly harmless, yet their actions can be deeply damaging. This article explores the question of whether covert narcissists experience any negative emotions like regret, guilt, or pain after abandoning someone, and how their behavior contrasts with the typical emotional patterns of more overt narcissists.

Understanding Covert Narcissists

Covert narcissists, also known as malignant narcissists, are characterized by their manipulative and destructive behaviors. Unlike overt narcissists who are more openly arrogant, these individuals are much more subtle and cunning in exploiting others. They view people merely as sources of supply, and empathy is not part of their emotional landscape. Their primary focus is on extracting benefits and resources from others, and when they discard someone, it is the benefits, not the person, that they feel sorrow over.

Emotional Detachment and Pure Evil

Narcissists, particularly covert ones, enjoy causing harm, especially harm that can lead to severe distress or even suicide. This is not incidental; it is often a core component of their manipulation. They derive pleasure from the suffering of others, making them appear cold and heartless. The lack of empathy or remorse is a consistent pattern among narcissists, not just a momentary lapse.

Case Study: The Impact of Covert Narcissism

A personal account can illustrate the depth of emotional harm inflicted by a covert narcissist. The author, who met her narcissistic husband at the tender age of 14, describes a 32-year relationship marked by abuse and manipulation. Despite her unwavering support and love, the husband consistently broke her trust and treated her with extreme cruelty. He physically, emotionally, and mentally abused her for decades, pushing her to the brink.

One incident stands out: a time the husband left her home after a violent argument. He did not stop to help her when she was too injured to move. His unconcern and lack of remorse were clear indicators of his character. Even after being taken to the police, he continued to lie and deny any wrongdoing, shifting the blame to others or finding excuses for his actions. This pattern of behavior shows that covert narcissists do not simply move on without emotional consequences; they rationalize and justify their actions, never truly feeling genuine remorse.

Long-Term Consequences and Healing

The aftermath of such relationships can be devastating. The author, now 100% better off without her husband, emphasizes the importance of protection and self-care. The emotional trauma and financial burden she faced after the relationship highlight the long-term impacts of covert narcissism. Moving forward, it is crucial to recognize the signs of narcissistic manipulation and seek support to heal from the emotional wounds.

Conclusion

Covert narcissists do not experience regret, guilt, or pain for abandoning someone because their emotional compass is centered on manipulation and exploitation. They are, in essence, evil in that they derive pleasure from causing harm. Their actions leave deep emotional scars, and it is vital to protect oneself from such individuals. By understanding their behaviors and the impact they can have, individuals can take steps to safeguard their emotional and mental well-being.