It’s not uncommon for narcissists to call their partners “mommy” or “daddy” or behave in ways that feel childlike. Have you ever been called “mommy” or “daddy” by a narcissist? Let me know in the comments—it’s no coincidence.
This deep, unconscious attempt to recreate the parent-child relationship comes with a catch: the narcissist harbors deep resentment toward their parent—whether for neglecting, smothering, or placing impossible demands on them. That unresolved resentment gets projected onto you.
You, the empath, are punished for their parent’s sins. You get devalued. The narcissist craves your love but doesn’t trust it. It makes them feel vulnerable, exposed, and dependent—all the things they’ve spent their life avoiding.
So, what do they do? They destroy it. They punish the empath for failing to fill the void their parent left behind. They are fighting a battle that has nothing to do with you but playing it out in the relationship.
Reason 2: The Empath as a Mirror
Empaths are not just kind and understanding; they are mirrors. You reflect the emotions, truth, and pain of those around you.
For most people, this reflection is healing. But for a narcissist, it’s terrifying.
When a narcissist gets close to you, they start seeing themselves for who they truly are—not the confident, powerful, larger-than-life persona they project, but the scared, insecure, wounded soul they’re hiding.
Continue reading on the next page
Sharing is caring!
