The relationship between an empath and a narcissist is perhaps the most toxic bond between two individuals.
On the one hand are narcissists.
All of them share this one common trait. They are emotionally hurt. The behavior of a narcissist derives from struggling with an emotional trauma usually experienced through their childhood. Behind the cover of a pretty selfish individual, lies a heart which has been through a lot of pain and emotionally difficult moments. That is why the narcissist is in need of constant validation from others. These people want others to praise them by telling them they are incredible and amazing. And there’s no better person than an empath to do this.
On the other side of the coin are empaths.
The empaths play the role of healers. They can easily understand the pain of others and are always ready to protect and help. An empath can feel and understand other people’s traumas and often takes them on as if they were their own. That is why an empath should set boundaries and protect themselves since they could quite quickly connect with a narcissist who they would try to fix. They want to repair any damage and try to heal the narcissist’s emotional injuries.
So, when these two antipodes meet the chemistry is powerful but poisonous.
And If an empath and a narcissist start a relationship, this relationship could turn into a dangerous cycle with negative consequences for the empath. Since, the more affection and love the empath gives, the more control the narcissist wants to impose on them. That could quickly make the empath a victim.
The truth is that an empath cannot see the narcissist’s true colors.
Unfortunately, a narcissistic person would absorb the energy from everyone they interact with. That is their way to feel happy. They are toxic because they need to make others fragile to boost their ego. For an empath, such a person can be very complicated to deal with. The empath might not even realize they are dealing with a narcissist because their delicate character makes them see only the good in people.
Narcissists need to be in complete control
They want to make others fall under their influence so they could prove to themselves how worthy they are. The empath’s attitude, on the opposite, is loving, caring, and empathetic. They always put themselves into other people’s shoes and try to feel their emotions, understand their opinions, and problems. Sadly their soft personality makes it easy for a narcissist to manipulate them. On top of that, empaths and narcissists’ characters are night and day, which is another red flag for finding balance in their relationship. As a result, the empath might start feeling upset and become a victim. And that’s exactly what would give the narcissist the sense of self-worthiness they’ve been craving. The sad truth is that the more unhappy the empath is, the happier the narcissist will be.
An empath needs to realize who they are dealing with
At this point, the empath can’t understand that the problem is coming from the narcissist. Additionally, as they feel emotionally hurt they will expect that the narcissist will provide reassurance of their love and affection. And that’s not all. On the one hand, the empath as many others who have been emotionally hurt and traumatized (by a narcissist’s actions) is vulnerable and at risk of becoming a narcissist themselves. On the other hand, when the narcissist realizes they have hurt the empath, they could keep making them feel down on purpose. The reason is simple. The more vulnerable the empath is, the worthier the narcissist will feel.
So, how could an empath protect themselves?
Any effort to talk with the narcissist might be pointless as they are usually not honest and always try to manipulate others by convincing them it’s all their fault.
Here is a crucial choice for the empath – to stay in this relationship and play the role of a victim or to cut the cord and leave.
First, the empath has to accept that the narcissist will never change and they shouldn’t be wasting precious time in false expectations. What’s more, others will treat us the way we allow them to. So if an empath chooses voluntarily to continue this toxic relationship with the narcissist –it means they deserve to take the consequences.
Empaths need to realize that it is not their responsibility to make others feel complete.
Especially those who feel complete when damaging others. Empaths should realize that the behavior narcissists have toward them is terrible and they should stop it in one way or another. They have to find the courage to end this relationship and find a suitable partner. They need to accept the harsh truth. It is impossible to maintain a healthy relationship with a person with a narcissistic personality. A narcissist’s heart is closed. An empath’s soul is open to others. And when these two individuals are close with each other, the empath ends up wounded.
Have you ever been in a relationship with a narcissist?
Please, share your experience in the comments.