Narcissists are drawn to certain types of individuals who, often unintentionally, enable their toxic behavior. These people tend to possess qualities that narcissists find easy to exploit, manipulate, or dominate. While no one actively seeks out relationships with narcissists, some personality traits and emotional patterns can make individuals more susceptible to being targeted. Below are 12 types of people who tend to attract narcissists.
Empaths
Empaths are highly sensitive individuals who can feel and internalize the emotions of others. Their compassionate nature makes them prime targets for narcissists. Because empaths are naturally nurturing, they often get caught up in trying to “heal” or “save” the narcissist, while the narcissist drains their emotional energy.
People Pleasers
People pleasers struggle to set boundaries and have a deep need to be liked by others. Narcissists exploit this tendency by manipulating people pleasers into doing their bidding. These individuals often sacrifice their own needs to keep the narcissist happy, which only encourages further manipulation.
Highly Conscientious Individuals
People who are responsible, ethical, and diligent often attract narcissists because they’re easy to guilt-trip and manipulate. Narcissists know that conscientious individuals will go out of their way to follow through on their commitments, even if it means enduring abuse or manipulation.
Codependent Personalities
Those with codependent tendencies often define themselves through their relationships and tend to prioritize the needs of others over their own. Narcissists thrive in these relationships because the codependent will continually give and sacrifice, even when it’s unhealthy. Narcissists take advantage of this dynamic by ensuring they remain the center of attention and control.
Low-Self-Esteem Individuals
Narcissists are often attracted to people with low self-esteem because they are easier to control and manipulate. Individuals with low self-worth may tolerate mistreatment or believe they deserve it, making them vulnerable to a narcissist’s manipulation. Narcissists reinforce this by belittling them to maintain dominance.
Optimists
Optimists tend to see the good in people and may be slow to recognize narcissistic abuse. They may believe that the narcissist’s negative behaviors are temporary and hold onto hope that they can change or improve. Narcissists feed on this optimism, continuously promising change while never actually delivering.
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Introverts
Introverts, who tend to be quieter and less confrontational, may find themselves overwhelmed by a narcissist’s forceful personality. Narcissists often dominate conversations and decision-making, and introverts may feel it’s easier to go along with them than to stand up for themselves, which gives the narcissist more control.
Overly Loyal Individuals
People who value loyalty and commitment are prime targets for narcissists. Narcissists often exploit this loyalty by expecting unwavering support, even when they engage in harmful behavior. Loyal individuals may stick around far longer than they should, believing they have a duty to stay.
Rescuers or Fixers
People who have a “rescuer” mentality are natural magnets for narcissists. They believe they can help the narcissist change or improve, often at the expense of their own well-being. Narcissists exploit this desire by continually creating crises or needing to be “saved,” keeping the fixer endlessly engaged.
Overachievers
Narcissists are attracted to successful, talented individuals because they view them as trophies or sources of validation. They may try to bask in the overachiever’s success while subtly undermining their confidence. The narcissist often becomes a parasite, taking credit for the overachiever’s accomplishments or using them to bolster their own image.
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Romantics
Romantics often idealize relationships and can fall into the trap of believing that love will conquer all. Narcissists exploit this by creating an intense, whirlwind romance in the beginning, only to reveal their true nature later. Romantics may stick around, hoping to return to the “ideal” phase of the relationship that never truly existed.
Trauma Survivors
Individuals with unresolved trauma may have a heightened vulnerability to narcissistic relationships. Narcissists sense this vulnerability and play on it, presenting themselves as protectors or offering what seems like unconditional love and support. However, once the narcissist has control, they can re-traumatize the survivor by manipulating or exploiting their emotional wounds.
Conclusion
Narcissists are experts at identifying and targeting individuals with specific personality traits that make them easier to manipulate. While it’s important to remember that none of these traits inherently invite abuse, understanding how they can attract narcissists is the first step toward setting healthy boundaries. By being aware of these dynamics, individuals can protect themselves from falling into toxic relationships and recognize when they are being manipulated.
