High level narcissists, those standout individuals who have success in all of their business and social endeavors, are plentiful today and growing in numbers. Many go through a series of marriages, like a television soap opera. I have spoken with a number of ex-spouses of narcissists who were  obsessed with the heady lifestyle that accompanies these unions. High level narcissists with their adoring circle of admirers create a stir wherever they land. Those who marry narcissists, regardless of their professional accomplishments, are required to play the supportive role to the star of the company. Often golden couples who shine in public, in private the scenes between the partners turn very ugly. Narcissists are perfectionists and manipulators.  They think nothing of spewing their narcissistic rage, accusations and criticisms when the partner is not mirroring them perfectly. Although they live in material privilege, these spouses are treated like inanimate possessions and have no value to the narcissist as human beings. The narcissist is incapable of authentic relationships. For him or her, spouses are disposable. When  the spouse of a narcissist is perceived as being beyond her prime, or some great beauty has taken his fancy, the marriage is over---this despite all of the years she has been the recipient of verbal abuse and humiliations-–this in spite the children they share. All that matters is what the narcissist wants and must have now.