Early childhood Quote by Sandy Hotchkiss
““The narcissistic love match is inherently unstable. Any intrusion of reality can destabilize the relationship, leading to chronic or intermittent conflict, misery, trips to the couple counselor, or traumatic ruptures that bring the union to an end. When the narcissist can find support outside the relationship – career, family, friends, or other interests- that keep him or her feeling pumped up, the pressure on the partner may be minimal. But frustrations at work, job loss or retirement, disruptions in other needed relationships, and losses in status or rewards from other pipelines usually lead to more demands on the partner to pick up the slack. It is the nature of human beings to seek more satisfying solutions to life’s challenges over time and to strive toward a fully realized evolution of Self. Even a seed of emotional health wants to grow. Just as primary narcissism is a transient state in early childhood, so may narcissistic relationships be way stations on our journey to mature love. But sometimes the hard part is figuring out if, when, and how to move on.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Narcissistic Relationships and Healing, Sandy Hotchkiss, 2022
Narcissistic partnerships are fragile; external pressures and the narcissist’s external support can destabilize them, while personal growth may eventually outgrow such dynamics.
In simple terms: Narcissistic love is unstable and may end as people evolve.
Recognize instability and plan for healthy change.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- counseling sessions
- career stress
- family dynamics
- personal therapy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is the right moment to leave?
- How can partners protect their well‑being?
Narcissists may regain stability if external support wanes, making timing unpredictable.