Narcissism often originates in early childhood due to a mother’s excessive preoccupation with other things, preventing her from seeing and reflecting the child’s true self. As a result, narcissism becomes deeply ingrained in the individual’s personality.
On the other hand, a highly empathetic, or highly sensitive, person develops a pattern of dependent attachment. They pay close attention to their loved ones and try to anticipate their reactions. They often neglect their own needs and live a life indirectly through others. Even the simplest reactions, whether positive or negative, have a profound impact on them. Rejection can be devastating, while acceptance can fill them with hope and elation.
This pattern of dependent attachment develops throughout a person’s life and becomes clearly visible in their personality. It is an adaptive behavior used to create a sense of security and avoid abandonment by anticipating the feelings of others.
In some cases, an empathy may possess a hidden narcissistic core. That is, their narcissism lies dormant beneath their dependence on others and rarely surfaces. The empathy with hidden narcissism craves praise and is prone to a cycle of adulation, belittlement, and abandonment. However, their intense need for and attachment to others keeps them in a position of dependency.
Over time, the empathy with hidden narcissism may become frustrated and angry with those who exploit and manipulate them. In many cases, this type of empathy attracts narcissists and psychopaths, who leave a bitter taste in their mouths.
Related : The Underlying Cause Of A Narcissistic Family
The empathy’s reaction is to shift radically to the opposite extreme. Instead of being dependent and needy, they become withdrawn and self-sufficient. They shed their need for others’ approval and gain independence.
As the empathy’s dependency fades, their narcissistic core finds space to emerge. They become more self-confident and crave attention. Years of resentment fuel this personality transformation. Over time, the empathetic and sensitive person becomes colder and more calculating. Their emotional system shuts down, and they establish stricter boundaries. The seed of their narcissism begins to sprout over the years, and once it does, it’s irreversible.
As for the narcissist who never developed sensitivity or dependence, who grew up in a cold environment that forced them to avoid others from the start, there’s no way they can become empathetic. Once narcissism blossoms, it’s extremely difficult to eradicate.
