Why is breaking up with a non-narc, easier than with a narc?

I've been out of my relationship with the last ex N, for ...well, it will be one year next month. But, I've been completely NC for 9 months, now.

Ok. So, I'm reading some threads in here tonight, and it got me thinking. When we have all dated NON narcs...and those relationships didn't work out...why were those breakups a bit easier to 'get over' do you think, than these?

I sit back and think...I never had to go 'NC' with non narcs. I never was afraid to bump into him, or receive a future phone call. In fact, some old bf's in my past, I was able to stay friends with back then for a time. But, not with a narc. You have to literally go into hiding, practically. lol

I wonder if that is because they were abusive, and thus, we know that if we stay in touch...they will continue the abuse. Perhaps, that is it.

But, how many here have loved non narcs? I'm sure all of us have at one point. Why did we manage to move on easier, after those break ups? I mean, love is love...right? But, why did it seem to hurt worse with a narc, the breakup, than a non narc?

Interested to see your opinions to this. :)