Have you ever been in a relationship with someone who constantly needs praise, acts entitled, and has cheated on you? If so, they may have narcissistic personality disorder. Narcissism causes people to have an inflated ego and lack empathy, and often leads them to cheat on romantic partners. But why do narcissists cheat? There are several psychological explanations.
Who Are Narcissists?
Let us first know who is a narcissist. A person who exaggerates their sense of significance is considered a narcissist. They think they are better than other people. Only themselves and their needs seem to concern narcissists.
Because they are insensitive, they take advantage of others for their benefit. And from everyone around them, they always want to be admired. Their behavior, including lying, is motivated by these qualities.
Lack of Remorse
Narcissists cheat frequently because they do not feel ashamed about hurting others. They do not understand or watch their mate’s passions. When caught cheating, they do not apologize or show guilt. Rather, they get angry or ignore their mate’s pain.
Egoists want empathy, so they can cheat without considering the detriment it causes to their partner or mate. They cheat because they are more concerned about themselves and do not watch about the damage it does to their relationship.
Their Egos Need Feeding
Narcissists have huge egos that constantly demand attention and praise. Having affairs gives narcissists an ego rush because the new person makes them feel wanted. Cheating provides the admiration narcissists crave. It makes them feel important to be desired by multiple partners at once. Sleeping around fuels the narcissist’s sense of self-worth.
They enjoy the feeling that more than one person finds them attractive and special. Narcissists cheat because the admiration and validation from a new partner temporarily boost their massive egos. Multiple affairs keep the narcissist’s ego regularly pumped up and satisfied.
They Feel Entitled to Break the Rules
Narcissists often cheat because they think they deserve to break the rules. They believe normal rules don’t apply to them. Narcissists feel they should be allowed to do whatever they want if it helps them right now. This sense of entitlement means narcissists will cheat whenever there’s a chance. They don’t feel they need to stay faithful or keep relationship promises.
Even though loyalty and commitment are expected, narcissists think they are special. The rules that bind others in relationships don’t bind narcissists. They cheat because they feel entitled to take any opportunity that benefits them, no matter who gets hurt.
Lack of Impulse Control
Narcissists often act without thinking first. They give in to wants and desires right away. They don’t stop and think about what might happen later. When a narcissist finds someone attractive outside their relationship, they cheat. They cannot control themselves.
Narcissists make reckless choices, like having affairs on a whim. They do things at the moment without caring about the future. Narcissists are impulsive. That means they do things suddenly without considering the results.
Reinforces Their False Self
Deep down, narcissists feel bad about themselves. They think they are worthless. So they make up a fake self that seems great. Cheating helps the narcissist believe their made-up self. Finding new partners makes the narcissist feel wanted. This feeds their big ego. It makes them feel better than everyone else. But this is an illusion.
The narcissist pretends to be superior. By cheating, the narcissist gets to act out their fake identity again and again. It reinforces the lie they tell themselves. Cheating reminds the narcissist of their false self. The one that seems impressive but isn’t real.
Conclusion
So, you got the answer: why do narcissists cheat? They cheat because they do not care about others’ feelings. Narcissists cannot control their urges. They feel they can do whatever they want.
Cheating makes narcissists believe in their fake selves. The one that seems great but is not real. Sadly, narcissists cheat again and again without feeling bad. Understanding why can help partners feel better and move on. Do not blame yourself. Focus on healing. The problem is the narcissist, not you.
