Why Empaths Are Wired to Bond With Narcissists

Empaths are people who are sensitive to the emotions and energy of others. They are often drawn to narcissists because they are attracted to their strength and confidence. However, this can be a dangerous combination because empaths can become enablers of narcissistic behavior. Empaths need to be aware of this dynamic and learn to set boundaries with narcissists.

What is an empath and what is a narcissist?

An empath is someone who is highly sensitive to the emotions and energy of others. They can often absorb the emotions of those around them, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed or drained. Empaths are often drawn to helping others and may have difficulty saying no.

A narcissist is someone who is excessively self-centered and lacks empathy for others. Narcissists are often charming and manipulative and can be difficult to deal with. They may take advantage of empaths by using them for their own needs without considering the feelings of the empath.

The appeal of the narcissist to the empath

Empaths are attracted to the confidence and charisma of narcissists, and their ability to take charge and be assertive. Narcissists are attracted to empaths because they provide the attention, adoration, and admiration that narcissists crave. Empaths are also good at listening and being supportive, which is something that narcissists often lack in their relationships.

The appeal of the narcissist to the empath is clear. They share many qualities which make them compatible with each other. However, this does not mean that relationships between these two types are always healthy or beneficial.

The cycle of codependency

There’s a reason why empaths are often drawn to narcissists. It’s not because they’re inherently attracted to self-centered people, but because they’re wired to bond with those who need help.

Empaths are natural caregivers. They’re the ones who comfort the crying stranger, donate their time and resources to worthy causes, and always put others’ needs before their own. It’s in their nature to want to help those who are struggling, even if it means sacrificing their own happiness in the process.

Unfortunately, this tendency can often lead them into relationships with narcissists. Narcissists are master manipulators. They know how to take advantage of empaths’ compassionate natures by making them feel needed and appreciated. In return for the empath’s care and attention, the narcissist will often give false promises of love and support.

The empath’s need for validation

Empaths are highly sensitive people who feel the emotions and energy of others around them. They often absorb the pain of others and can have a hard time distinguishing between their own emotions and the emotions of those around them. Because of this, empaths often seek out relationships with people who will validate their feelings and help them to feel understood. Unfortunately, these relationships can often be with narcissists, who are more interested in using empaths for their own needs than truly caring for them.

Empaths need to feel understood and validated in order to feel secure in themselves and their relationships. When they don’t have this, they can become anxious and withdrawn. Narcissists are often attracted to empaths because they see them as someone who will give them the validation they crave. However, narcissists are not interested in truly caring for or understanding empaths.

The narcissist’s manipulation

Empaths are commonly drawn to narcissists because they share similar qualities and values. Narcissists are often charming, confident, and persuasive, which can be appealing to empaths. However, what empaths may not realize is that narcissists are experts at manipulation.

Narcissists use manipulation to control and exploit others for their own gain. They may use flattery or compliments to make someone feel good about themselves, only to later turn around and criticize them. Or, they may play on someone’s emotions in order to get what they want.

Empaths need to be aware of these manipulative tactics so that they can protect themselves from being taken advantage of. If you’re in a relationship with a narcissist, it’s important to set boundaries and keep communication open. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and set limits on what you will tolerate.

The empath’s enabling behavior

Many empaths are drawn to narcissists because they share a deep-rooted wound of feeling unlovable. Empaths are natural caregivers and often put the needs of others before their own. This can be a recipe for disaster when coupled with someone who is self-absorbed and has little regard for others. The empath’s enabling behavior often keeps the narcissist from having to face the consequences of their actions.

The empath’s need to feel needed can be exploited by the narcissist. The narcissist knows that the empath will do anything to avoid conflict and will always try to find the good in people, even when there is none to be found. The empath’s compassionate nature makes them want to fix things and they will often go above and beyond to try to make things work, even when it’s clear that it’s not going to.

Conclusion

Empaths are people who are highly sensitive to the emotions and energy of others. They tend to be compassionate, caring, and nurturing. Narcissists, on the other hand, are self-centered, manipulative, and often have a grandiose sense of self-importance.

Despite these differences, empaths and narcissists often find themselves attracted to each other. This may be because they both crave attention and validation. The empath provides the narcissist with the adoration they crave, while the narcissist provides the empath with a much needed sense of importance.

Unfortunately, this type of relationship is often not sustainable in the long term. The empath eventually feels used and taken advantage of, while the narcissist becomes bored and frustrated with their partner’s neediness.

For the empath ultimately learning how to love yourself first is key, then the love bombing from the narcissist will be easier to resist.