If you’ve ever been discarded by a narcissist and watched them move on as if you never existed, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Do they love the new supply more than they loved me?”
It’s a gut-wrenching question, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
In this deep dive, we’ll break down what’s really going on when a narcissist moves on, why it seems like they’re madly in love with their new partner, and the cold, hard truth behind their behavior.
Let’s get into it.
The “New Supply” Illusion
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to understand narcissists is assuming they love the same way normal people do.
But here’s the kicker: Narcissists don’t experience love in a deep, meaningful way.
Instead, they thrive on narcissistic supply—a constant need for attention, validation, and admiration. The “new supply” (aka their new partner) is just another source of that supply.
It might look like love from the outside. The grand gestures, the Instagram-worthy photos, the over-the-top declarations of devotion. But in reality? It’s all part of the narcissist’s cycle of manipulation.
Why It Looks Like They Love the New Supply More
So why does it seem like the narcissist is head over heels for their new partner?
1. The Love-Bombing Phase
If you’ve been with a narcissist, you already know how intense the beginning of the relationship was. The nonstop compliments, grand gestures, and promises of a perfect future made you feel like you found “the one.”
Guess what? That’s exactly what the new supply is experiencing now.
Narcissists follow a predictable cycle:
- Love-bombing (idealization)
- Devaluation
- Discard
- Hoovering (optional)
Right now, the new supply is in the love-bombing phase, and to the outside world, it looks like an epic romance. But in reality, it’s just a rerun of what you went through.
2. They Want to Prove They’ve “Upgraded”
One of the most painful things about watching a narcissist move on is how they seem to flaunt their new relationship.
But here’s the truth: It’s not about the new supply. It’s about you.
Narcissists hate losing control, and they know their biggest weapon is making you believe you weren’t good enough. By making the new relationship seem like a fairytale, they’re trying to send a message:
- “Look how happy I am without you.”
- “The problem was you all along.”
- “I’ve found someone better.”
It’s not real. It’s a carefully curated performance designed to hurt you and maintain their fragile ego.
3. Social Media Is a Narcissist’s Playground
Ever noticed how narcissists plaster their new relationships all over social media?
That’s because they know it gets under your skin. They want you to see how “happy” they are, and they want others to validate their new relationship.
But here’s what they don’t show:
- The manipulation happening behind closed doors
- The cracks already forming in the relationship
- The inevitable cycle that will repeat itself
Social media is just another tool for their manipulation.
4. They Need to Keep the New Supply Hooked
Narcissists operate on a cycle of highs and lows—and right now, the new supply is experiencing the high.
To keep them hooked, the narcissist pulls out all the stops. Expensive gifts, romantic getaways, constant attention. But once the new supply starts noticing red flags, things will change.
Because here’s the brutal truth: The narcissist isn’t capable of real love, no matter who they’re with.
Will the Narcissist Treat the New Supply Better?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: They might—for a while.
In the beginning, it might seem like the new supply is getting a better version of the narcissist. But that’s only because they’re still being idealized.
Eventually, the same toxic patterns will emerge:
- Gaslighting (“I never said that, you’re imagining things.”)
- Emotional manipulation (“If you really loved me, you wouldn’t question me.”)
- Silent treatment and stonewalling
- Cheating and triangulation
It’s only a matter of time before the new supply starts feeling the same way you did—confused, drained, and emotionally exhausted.
What Happens When the New Supply Sees the Truth?
At some point, the new supply will start seeing through the narcissist’s facade. And when that happens, one of three things will occur:
- They’ll try harder to please the narcissist (which only gives the narcissist more control).
- They’ll start standing up for themselves (which triggers the narcissist’s rage).
- They’ll get discarded, just like you did.
Either way, the fairy tale doesn’t last. It never does.
The Only Way to Win Against a Narcissist
If you’re still watching from the sidelines, wondering if the narcissist truly loves the new supply, here’s what you need to know:
- They don’t love them more.
- They never really loved you.
- They don’t understand real love at all.
Narcissists use people like batteries. Once one runs out of charge, they replace it with a fresh one. But the new battery won’t last forever either.
So what can you do?
1. Go No Contact (or as low contact as possible)
The less you see and hear about the narcissist, the better. Unfollow, block, and remove anything that keeps you tethered to them.
2. Stop Comparing Yourself to the New Supply
You are not in competition with them. You won the moment the narcissist walked away because now you have a chance to heal and build a healthy life.
3. Shift Your Focus Back to You
Narcissists thrive on keeping you emotionally stuck. The best revenge? Moving on, healing, and living well.
- Invest in therapy.
- Work on rebuilding your self-esteem.
- Surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you.
4. Remind Yourself That the Cycle Repeats
It might look perfect now, but soon, the new supply will be in the same position you were—hurt, confused, and discarded.
By the time that happens, you’ll be so far ahead in your healing that you won’t even care.
Final Thoughts
So, does the narcissist love the new supply more?
No. Because narcissists don’t love the way healthy people do.
What you’re seeing isn’t love—it’s manipulation, performance, and control. And eventually, the same toxic cycle will repeat.
The best thing you can do is focus on your healing and remember: You deserve real love, not the illusion of it.
And that’s something a narcissist will never be able to give.