Narcissism in Relationships

Narcissists are attracted to empaths.

Empaths who show empathy, support, unconditional love, and kindness often come from abusive and or toxic backgrounds.

Narcissists are insecure and need the empath to prop them up.

They generally go after career-driven empaths who can also support them financially and it will generally be someone the narcissist can brag about as their partner.

Empaths are also selfless and may even be people pleasers. Because of this characteristic, the empath is easily manipulated and controlled.

The Narcissist “woos” the empath with similar characteristics of the empath such as kindness, attentiveness, support and reliability. They may even shower them very quickly with gifts, dining out and compliments.

The narcissist may say things like

“I’ve never met anyone like you!”

They may even say “I love you” very early in the relationship.

Empaths are typically people pleasers and like to be available at all times, even to their own detriment.

Empaths tend to take the blame for the Narcissists behaviour so they are reluctant to challenge the narcissist’s behaviour towards them.

Once the empath is fully committed to the relationship and trusts the narcissist, the narcissist begins to show their true nature.

They may start with controlling behaviours such as limiting the time the empath is allowed to spend time with family and friends and may also turn the empath against their support system to isolate them.

Narcissists are jealous of those that take time away from the narcissist.

The narcissist may become verbally, physically, sexually, coercively, emotionally, psychologically and financially abusive.

The narcissist may start to belittle and undermine the empath.

By this time the empath’s head is spinning. The narcissist will become Mr/Mrs nice guy again and the empath wonders if they’re just being too sensitive as the narcissist claims.

As the relationship continues, so does the off-again, on-again abuse. The empath has lost all confidence in their decision-making and abilities.

The longer the relationship and abuse continues, the narcissist may abuse the empath for staying in the relationship while they abuse them.

The narcissist is highly critical of the empath while being highly sensitive to criticism. Being in a relationship with a narcissist can become like walking on eggshells because you never know who it is you’re living with.

The empath is now trauma bonded to the narcissist and doesn’t have the confidence to leave.

The narcissist may even play the victim saying they don’t like the person they’ve become. The truth is, this is who they always were.

The empath is left feeling sorry for the narcissist and believing the narcissist cannot help their behaviour.

The cycle continues.

If you are in a relationship like this one, RUN!! Don’t look back!!

If you would like support for an abusive relationship, click on the link below for a booking today.