08/01/2025
Empaths see the best in narcissists — as a projection of themselves. Narcissists see the worst in empaths — also as a projection of themselves.
This is one of the most painful dynamics in human relationships. The empath, often intuitive and deeply feeling, believes in potential. They see who someone could be rather than who that person actually is. When they encounter a narcissist, their natural instinct is to love harder, give more, understand deeper — convinced that their compassion can break through the narcissist’s coldness.
But the narcissist doesn't process love the same way. They project their own insecurities and darkness onto the empath. Instead of valuing that deep well of emotional richness, they belittle it. They manipulate it. They exploit it. Because for a narcissist, it's not about connection — it's about power, control, and feeding the ego.
The empath will often make excuses, tolerate mistreatment, and take responsibility for the dysfunction. Why? Because they can’t comprehend how someone could twist love into a weapon. They assume that if they’re being misunderstood, it's due to a lack of communication — not manipulation. That if they’re hurt, it’s unintentional — not calculated.
Meanwhile, the narcissist is thriving off the dynamic. They feel superior when they can make someone question their reality. They feel powerful when someone keeps coming back despite being devalued. And when the empath finally begins to pull away — drained, confused, and heartbroken — the narcissist often plays the victim, rewriting the story to make it seem like they were the ones betrayed.
It's a painful cycle, and the longer it continues, the more the empath begins to lose their sense of self. But the truth is this:
You can't pour light into someone who is committed to living in their own shadow.
Healing begins when the empath realizes that their worth isn't tied to how much pain they can endure. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do — is to walk away.