When a narcissist is confronted with their own emptiness, they struggle desperately to reclaim the power they’ve lost. The narcissist is utterly unprepared for the empath’s anger and subsequent withdrawal. Accustomed to wielding control in the relationship, they’re shocked by the empath’s refusal to comply. Initially, their ego is bruised; they operate under the assumption that the empath will always be accommodating, viewing them as passive individuals who accept everything, remain silent, and never assert their own needs.
For a narcissist, the empath’s defiance is both confusing and unsettling. As the initial shock subsides, anxiety begins to creep in. They realize that their usual methods of control are no longer effective. This fear manifests in various ways, all aimed at regaining control and restoring the previous dynamic. Some narcissists react with outright aggression, attempting to intimidate or guilt-trip the empath into submission. This aggression can manifest as blame-shifting, hurtful remarks, or deliberate attempts to sabotage the empath’s newfound independence.
Others might adopt a more subtle approach, feigning victimhood to elicit pity and manipulate the empath’s guilt. They might accuse the empath of being cruel or unfair, blaming them for their own problems in a desperate attempt to regain control.
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