Can an empath be a narcissist?

This article will discuss if it is possible for an empath to be a narcissist. Aside from that, the article will explain what is the difference between a narcissist and an empath.

Can an empath be a narcissist?

Yes, it is possible for an empath to be a narcissist. To understand that, we need to understand that each one of us has narcissistic traits, and not all of them will be named as a part of the narcissistic personality disorder.

This view of narcissism in a spectrum allows us to understand that it is possible for an empathetic person to have one, or more of the traits that are connected to narcissism. The empath can have a grandiose view of themselves, for example, when they are doing a great deed, as a narcissistic person would, for example. 

They can also have this sense that they are special for some reason. Which is extremely common in people that have narcissistic traits. For example, an empath can be caring for a family member that is going through an illness, and they are doing it from the kindness of their hearts. 

But there can also be a side of them that is doing this because this will lead people to see how special they are.

In thinking that, we understand that the empath may have gone through some life experiences that lead them to develop those narcissistic traits. And sometimes it can be so intense that it can lead the empath to shut down their empathetic traits for sometime.

But it is important to know that an empath will hardly be a person that will be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. That is because the empath won’t ever be able to show one of the most crucial signs of the narcissistic personality disorder, which is the lack of empathy.

What is also important to understand when discussing if an empath can be a narcissist is that, even though they are seen as complete opposites, there is a lot that connects the two. For example, both empaths, and narcissists are both people that will read others extremely well.

What makes a difference in each of them lies in how they use this ability. While the empath will use this heightened perception of how the others are feeling to show them support, the narcissist can use that perception thinking on how to take advantage of it.

They are also similar in how sensitive they are. Both empaths and narcissists can get hurt easily. But once again what seems to set them apart is how each of them react when hurt. 

While the empath will often deal with their pain internally, and take too much responsibility for their actions. So even if they externalize their pain, they will hardly do it in a manner to hurt others. The narcissist will go a different way. 

When hurt, they will never consider they have a responsibility in it, instead, they will only direct their rage out, and will sometimes purposely hurt other people.

Having all that in mind may make it easier to understand that not only is it possible for an empath to have narcissistic traits, but also that in some moments in their lives, the empath can behave in ways that will most resemble them to a narcissist. 

But when discussing if it is possible for a narcissist to be an empath, then things can get more complicated. That is because narcissists can be extremely manipulative, and if they want to, and they often do, they can create a version of themselves so others will believe they are an empath. 

They can do this because they believe that being an empath will bring them some sort of praise, or even recognition. Since empaths are seen in a more positive light than narcissists. So to show to others how caring and supportive they are, they will change how they act completely around people.

A narcissist can also behave as an empath as a way to gain more information on their victim. 

Understanding that they need control over the other person, they won’t settle just for the relationship at the moment, they will want the other person to share their most gory, and intimate details, so at some point, if the person is ready to leave the narcissist, they can use such informations to blackmail them.

What is an empath? 

Being an empath means you are a person that experiences their feelings too much, in a deep way. They will not only have a deep perception of their own feelings, but also of the people around them. So once you tell an empath how you are feeling, they can quickly relate to it.

The empath is often moved, and motivated by the idea of helping others. But all this can come with a cost. At some point, because they feel empathy so deeply, they can become emotionally drained. Sensing whatever is going in around them can often be a huge source of stress.

Because of that, when someone is an empath, they should make it a mission in their lives to learn how to deal with the emotions around them. Having boundaries, and getting support can be fundamental so they don’t feel overwhelmed by it all, which can ultimately lead them to feel burned out.

What is a narcissist?

A narcissist can either be a person that has a narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), or someone that manifests some traits that are characteristic of narcissism, such as the grandiose view of themselves. 

Because these traits can manifest themselves differently from one person to the next, it is commonly understood that narcissism will happen in a spectrum.

The most common traits of a narcissist revolve around this grandiose view of themselves, and the idea that they are espacil. Which leads to believing that they should be treated differently, and here you read better than others.

The narcissist is also a person that will often need people around them to praise, and admire them. That is why they put so much effort in impressing people. They believe they are the most important person, and because of that, attending to their feelings, and needs are their number one priority.

A narcissist will also be unable to experience empathy. Because of that, when in a relationship they won’t be able to relate to what their partner is saying, or even take their partner’s needs into consideration. As they act, they will often disregard how this can hurt people around them. Which makes a relationship with a narcissist a bit harder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Can an empath be a narcissist? 

Is there a cure to being a narcissist?

No, there is no cure to being a narcissist. What can happen is that, at some point the narcissist can realize that their narcissistic traits are bringing them problems, so they can look for professional help. 

In that, they will often look for therapy. In that process, they will learn to deal with a less idealized and perfect version of themselves, and others. They will also be able to create more realistic goals for themselves, so they are not so easily frustrated.

Sometimes narcissists can also need medication. But those will not be used to treat their narcissistic traits, they will often be prescribed to help them deal with conditions such as anxiety, or depression that the narcissist may go through.

What is a dark empath?

A dark empath is someone that will be able to understand what the person is going through, but they won’t be able to feel it. And because they can rationally understand what the person is feeling, other people may have the impression that they are emotionally invested in that relationship.

Because of that, people with dark empathy can often use it to take advantage of others. They can begin to manipulate people, and can go as far as being sarcastic, or making jokes about what the other person is going through as a way to attack them.

They can also be people that are constantly gossiping since they seem to know everything that other people are going through. And they will act extremely charming towards others, but that will change as soon as they don’t get what they want.

What are protecting techniques for empaths?

If you are an empath, know that there are some ways you can protect yourself. You may do that by doing some visualization that involves you being shielded, so you can begin to see yourself more protected. 

As you are dealing with your relationship with other people, you should always focus on telling them what you want, and what you need. Empaths will have a hard time doing that, which can lead them to trouble. What also causes that, is having no set boundaries between themselves, and people in their lives.

Caring for the load that empathy puts on you, so you don’t get drained, is also an important technique to protect yourself. 

What happens when an empath leaves a narcissist?

When an empath leaves a narcissist, they may have trouble believing this is happening. That is because an empath will hardly ever leave people behind. 

Since they always believe that people can change, and are always open to being helpful and supportive in that process, it may be hard for an empath to come to terms with the truth that the narcissist will never change.

But once they realize that, and finally decide to leave, the narcissist will try to get them back in every way they can. They will respect no boundaries that the empath may have put on. And will try to get them back with all they have at their disposal.

They can act erratic, try to be manipulative, or ask other people to talk on their behalf. They can even go as far as threatening to harm themselves if they feel this is something that will make you care for them, and go back.

What are the types of empath?

There are three types of empaths. The first one is the physical empath, which is extremely attentive to other people’s physical symptoms, and they can absorb things to their body. The physical empath will also be more energized if they feel that the person around them is feeling well.

There is also the emotional empath, which will often behave as a sponge, and absorb whatever other people around them are feeling. And finally, there is the intuitive empath, which is a form of empathetic person that will have heightened senses such as intuition. 

Conclusion 

This article explained if it is possible for an empath to be narcissist. To base what was said, the article showed what does it mean to be an empath and a narcissist.

If you have any questions or comments about this article, feel free to write it in the section below.

References

https://aglowlifestyle.com/can-an-empath-be-a-narcissist/

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2016/08/is-it-possible-to-be-both-an-empath-a-narcissist/