Do narcissists remarry quickly after divorce?

Asked by: Carleton Donnelly  |  Last update: August 21, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (57 votes)

Narcissists generally move on quickly after divorce, driven by their need for constant validation and admiration. They may swiftly enter new relationships to find new sources of narcissistic supply and avoid being alone. However, this behavior is often a rebound rather than true healing.

Why do narcissists remarry so quickly?

Narcissists are often driven by a need for admiration and attention, and they may seek out a new partner as soon as possible in order to fulfill this need. Additionally, they may be motivated to remarry quickly in order to avoid facing the consequences of their actions or to avoid feeling lonely.

What does a narcissist do after divorce?

In fact, their immediate reaction to the divorce may be to blame you and/or the children for their perceived shortcomings.At the end of a relationship, narcissists may become combative, passive-aggressive, hostile, and even more controlling. People with NPD often fail to understand other people's needs and values.

Do narcissists remarry after divorce?

Yes, a covert narcissist can remarry after two divorces. While individual circumstances vary, some covert narcissists may seek new relationships to fulfill their need for admiration, validation, or control.

Do narcissists move on quickly after a breakup?

Yes, narcissists often move on quickly after a divorce. Narcissists need constant admiration and validation, which can make them prone to seeking new relationships soon after a breakup. They may already have backup relationships or new sources of attention lined up.

3 Reasons why a Narcissist moves on to a new relationship very quickly

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Do narcissists cry after a breakup?

Someone living with narcissism does cry. They can feel regret, remorse, and sadness. These emotions, however, don't often have roots in empathy.

How long does narcissistic collapse last?

Narcissistic collapse can last for any length of time and will vary from person to person. For some, it may last just a few hours, while for others, it may last several months or even years. How the individual responds to the narcissistic collapse will influence how quickly they recover.

How does a narcissist react when you file for divorce?

A narcissistic spouse will probably immediately get defensive, as they see a request for divorce as a direct assault.

How do you know the narcissist has moved on?

Signs a Narcissist Is Done with You
  • Withdrawing from communication.
  • Acting cold or distant.
  • Disappearing for long periods of time.
  • Blaming you for their behavior.
  • Refusing to take responsibility for their actions.

How long does it take for a narcissist to change?

A small 2014 study found that 53% of people with NPD were in remission 2 years later. This suggests narcissistic traits may change with time. However, this does not mean that a person will spontaneously get better, nor that they will necessarily become safer or easier to have a relationship with.

Do narcissists get over their exes?

Many people with clinically diagnosed narcissistic personality disorder will feel an urge to go back to their exes after a break-up. A key symptom of NPD is a need to feel superior and make others feel inferior as a result, which stems from a narcissist's deep-seated insecurities.

Are narcissists capable of loving their children?

A narcissistic father isn't capable of a traditional parent-child relationship, as they lack the capacity to offer their children consistent encouragement and support. They are far too focused on their own needs to be attentive to their children's.

Will narcissist settle in divorce?

All being well, you should be able to reach a divorce settlement, make financial arrangements, and settle any custody matters through negotiation or mediation. Narcissists are often challenging to negotiate with, however, and may even withdraw from the process altogether.

Why do narcissists say I love you so quickly?

A narcissist will shower you with affection in order to get you on side. They aim to disarm and distract you from their flaws and from the reality that the relationship will be constructed around getting their needs met, rather than real affection.

How do most relationships end with a narcissist?

Research has suggested that at the end of a relationship, there tend to be two extremes: the narcissist will either react with anger and seek revenge or they will attempt to “hoover” the ex-partner back into their life. Narcissists may also initiate the breakup themselves, often abruptly and without warning.

Why did my ex-husband remarry so quickly?

The best advice I can offer for when your ex gets married quickly is to think of it as his or her way of coping with your divorce. He or she chose to cope by jumping quickly into another relationship. That might work short-term or it might work forever, but at some point, your ex will mourn the end of your marriage.

Do narcissists care if you move on?

Moving on Damages the Narcissist's Ego

The fact that you can and are thriving without them challenges their sense of self-importance. Narcissist struggle with high levels of insecurity and avoidance of shame.

When narcissists say they miss you?

When a narcissist says they miss you, it's typically not out of genuine emotion but rather a manipulative attempt to test your boundaries and regain control. They thrive on power dynamics and emotional manipulation, and saying they miss you is a way to reassert their influence over you.

Does a narcissist cry?

Narcissists get upset about things like anyone else and, sometimes, cry because of it. Mary Ann Little, PhD, a clinical psychologist and author of "Childhood Narcissism: Strategies to Raise Unselfish, Unentitled, and Empathetic Children" adds that they can be “extremely sensitive to emotional blows of any sort.

What a narcissist does after divorce?

The narcissist finds losing influence over the estranged spouse's life hard to accept. They will attempt to find ways to control the ex-spouse even after the divorce is final. This is much easier to do if there are children from the marriage.

Can a judge see through a narcissist?

Furthermore, while some judges may be able to identify narcissistic traits, they might not use the term “narcissist” due to its clinical implications. Therefore, while judges might “see through” a narcissist's tactics, it doesn't guarantee a favorable ruling against the narcissist.

What does narcissistic abuse look like?

Narcissistic abuse is a form of emotional abuse at the hands of people with narcissistic traits or narcissistic personality disorder. It involves manipulation, emotional exploitation, and a lack of empathy, often occurring in close relationships with romantic partnerships, family members, friends, or co-workers.

What does a depressed narcissist look like?

For a depressed narcissist, depression often comes out in ways that can look like anger, withdrawal, or even blame-shifting. Unlike most people with depression, who might reach out for support or talk openly about their feelings, a depressed narcissist often struggles to show vulnerability.

Can a narcissist fall in love permanently?

It is important to remember that while a narcissist may appear to love you initially, this feeling is often short-lived and conditional. Narcissists have difficulty maintaining meaningful connections, so their form of “love” is often shallow and fleeting.

How do narcissists act when drunk?

Manipulation and Control: Narcissists may use alcohol as a tool to manipulate and control their loved ones. They may use their drinking as an excuse for abusive behavior or as a means to gain sympathy and attention.