Narcissistic Supply
Narcissistic supply is a term used to describe what feeds a narcissist's ego. Narcissistic supply can be a person, a reaction, attention of any kind, money, power, social status, sex, or admiration.
Examples of Narcissistic Supply
Example #1:
Jorge was an actor at the local community theater and had a long-standing habit of sleeping his way to the top, or as one of his fellow actors sarcastically remarked, "Jorge doesn't just sleep his way to the top, he sleeps his way into getting whatever he wants." To no one's surprise, Jorge's latest boyfriend was the new director and producer of the musical West Side Story, in which Jorge got the starring role. For those who had known Jorge long enough, the only type Jorge had was someone who had something he wanted. He had his last boyfriend buy him a car, his partner before pay off his student loans, and another partner to introduce him to some of the area's biggest actors.
Example #2:
Elizabeth has had no contact with her ex-boyfriend, Drew, for six months. Out of the blue, he came back saying he'll give her two months to make things work and that he's willing to forgive her for everything she's done to him. This text message enrages and confuses Elizabeth, as Drew has been the one who was abusive to her. She wants to text him and tell him that he is a jerk and remind him of everything he did to her. However, Elizabeth also realizes that Drew is most likely trying to provoke her into reacting, and she doesn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing her upset. Instead, she decides to block his number and vent about him in her support group.