Here is a question. Why are narcissists and empaths attracted to each other? They are, after all, opposites. You thought their paths would never cross.

Narcissists are driven by a heightened sense of entitlement and put their own needs above all others. On the other hand, empaths are driven to help and support others and often put their own needs last.

So, what is gravity? The reasons for this are complex and interesting.

12 Reasons why narcissists and psychopaths are attracted to each other

1. Narcissists crave attention
   The only thing that distinguishes narcissism is the desire for attention.

Narcissists may be great and think well of themselves, but they need others to notice. Narcissists need an audience. Whether it was a single person or a crowd, it didn’t matter. But they fuel interest and praise from others.

2. Narcissists depend on others for their self-esteem
   Just as narcissists need others for their attention, they also depend on others for their sense of self-worth. Narcissists need validation from others to reinforce their twisted sense of reality.

Perhaps their narcissism grew from the special treatment as a child. Now that they’re adults, they need the same attention from others, rather than relying on themselves.

3. Narcissists use empathy as a tool of manipulation
   Narcissists and empaths have one thing in common; sympathy. However, studies show that narcissists score high on cognitive empathy, while empaths score high on emotional empathy.

“Our findings are promising in indicating that even relatively antisocial individuals can be empathetic.” Dr. Erica Heber, School of Psychology, University of Surrey

The difference is that narcissists will know what and how you feel, but they won’t care. They will wonder how they can use your vulnerability to benefit themselves. Empaths feel your pain and instinctively want to help you, not manipulate you.

4. Narcissists seek out vulnerable people
   Because narcissists are cognitive empaths, they can easily identify a vulnerable person. They can observe a person in a cold and detached manner without getting emotionally involved. However, they use this knowledge to target victims.

Empaths are particularly desirable for narcissists because of their caring and caring nature. This is perfect for a narcissist. They have found someone who puts their needs before their own.

Narcissists want someone who will be devoted to them and show their utmost sincerity. They see these traits in empathy.

5. Narcissists portray nice and caring people — at first
   You might be wondering, if narcissists are so bad, why would they attract anyone, let alone sympathy?

Well, in the beginning, narcissists studied you and recorded your weaknesses. Once they work out what makes you tick, they use manipulative tactics like love bombing and magic runs. You will feel overwhelmed at first, which is exactly what a narcissist wants you to be – unbalanced and vulnerable.

6. Empaths have a strong desire to help others
   Empaths are very sensitive people who feel another person’s pain as if it were their own. Because they can relate on a deeper level, they instinctively want to help others.

Empaths are also more likely to put their needs aside and can end up being very neglectful at times. They will put every ounce of their being into a relationship and do whatever is needed to help their loved one.

When empaths and narcissists meet, the empath will sense that something is off, so they are instantly drawn to it.

7. Empaths fall in love quickly
   Empaths are emotional beings who can tune in to the feelings of others. This means that they are more likely to pick up on subtle cues that someone likes them. Since emotions are front and center for empaths, they tend to fall in love quickly and deeply.

The problem is that empaths think everyone else is the same. Affectionate and caring. Narcissists pretend to be these things to attract sympathy. Then, once addicted, the narcissist begins to show their true selves. By then, it is too late for Empath. They are already in love.

8. Empaths are easily bombarded with love
   Empaths are vulnerable to manipulation tactics such as love bombing. Their hearts rule, not their heads. So, unlike someone who’s more street-wise or not easily accepted, Sympathy falls in love with cheesy lines and cozy charm. They feel special, wanted, and loved like never before.

When a narcissist’s love bombs empathy, they feel a hit of dopamine, much like a high from a drug. Then the narcissist withdraws that love, wanting more sympathy. Now, they are addicted to this love and go out of their way to please the narcissist.

9. Empaths are more likely to blame themselves for the failure of the relationship
   Because sympathizers understand the weaknesses of human nature, they are more likely to forgive than non-sympathizers. They are also more likely to blame themselves when things go wrong in a relationship.

Empaths are harder on themselves than on their partners. After all, they are the mediator, to whom everyone turns in times of trouble.

10. Empaths find it difficult to leave abusive relationships
    Empaths believe it is their responsibility to stay and help solve the problem. Their affectionate side comes out. Unfortunately, this is when narcissists step up their game.

Empaths won’t leave because they think it’s their fault that things are going wrong, and they feel a duty to stay and fix it.

11. Empathy is long-suffering
    Empaths are tolerant types, and narcissists are drawn to them because they know:

a) They will get what is needed from Empath.
b) It can be easily manipulated.
For example, if the narcissist admits they have flaws and wants to change, the empath will feel compelled to stay. Empaths understand that no one is perfect. To tie them together, the narcissist will give them hope now and then to make sure they stick around.

12. Empaths SHOULD BE NEEDED
    Narcissists and sympathizers can become codependent on each other. Narcissists need love and attention, and sympathizers love to be needed.

So, in a way, they both satisfy each other’s needs. Narcissists usually have short relationships, as the partners tend to leave once the narcissist reveals his true self.

Empaths feel this craving for security and fear of rejection from the narcissist. It attracts them like a magnet. Narcissists are cognitively empathetic, and as a result, they can instantly identify a giving type of person.