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The Empath and the Narcissist
What a narcissist is exactly and why empaths attract them
It’s possible too many people are being called narcissists, let’s get that out in the open right away. A genuine narcissist will leave no doubt. For the sake of clarity, I will define what a narcissist is and why empaths seem to attract them.
Defining narcissism
Narcissism falls on a spectrum, everyone has at least some narcissistic tendencies. Someone who tends to be self-focused, or critical may be mildly narcissistic. That doesn't mean they are a full-blown narcissist.
According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) Narcissistic Personality Disorder is:
“NPD is defined as comprising a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood.”
NPD seems to be more prevalent in males, and it is underdiagnosed.
Narcissistic Symptoms
A grandiose sense of self
A rigid belief in idealistic thinking
A sense of entitlement