Do people with narcissism cry? Narcissists are often described as “evil,” but that doesn’t mean they lack emotions.

Some might think that narcissists don’t show their feelings. After all, why would they exhibit behaviors that suggest regret, sadness, or empathy?

In reality, narcissism doesn’t mean a lack of emotions. Narcissistic traits are often selfish rather than altruistic, but the person is still capable of experiencing emotions.

People with narcissistic personality disorder, or those with narcissistic traits, may laugh and cry just like anyone else, though for different reasons.

For example, people who lack empathy (a narcissistic trait) don’t feel sad when they see someone else upset, but they might be upset by feelings of embarrassment or injustice.

What Is Narcissism?

The term “narcissism” is used to describe both a personality trait and a personality disorder.

Many people exhibit some narcissistic tendencies, but only a small percentage meet the diagnostic criteria for narcissistic personality disorder.

Narcissistic personality disorder is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as:

Grandiosity-based behavior patterns

A need for admiration

A lack of empathy

Grandiosity is an exaggerated sense of self-importance. A person with narcissism may believe they are physically stronger, smarter, or more influential than others.

Narcissistic traits can be considered a narcissistic personality disorder when the behaviors and thoughts cause significant impairment in a person’s sense of identity, their ability to direct themselves, or their ability to connect with others.

Related : Narcissistic Relationships: Types, Signs, and Treatment Options

Dr. John F. Thulium, a retired clinical psychologist and author from Sale Beach, California, explains that a certain degree of self-care and self-esteem is important for our psychological well-being. However, when this self-care interferes with our ability to build loving relationships or prevents us from recognizing our flaws and weaknesses, it becomes narcissism.

When Do Narcissists Cry?

A person with narcissistic traits or narcissistic personality disorder may cry, but the reasons may differ from those of a non-narcissistic person.

“Certainly, narcissists may care about others and their feelings […] but they do so, mostly, to serve their own needs and desires,” says Dr. Thomas J. Plant, a licensed psychologist and professor of psychology in Santa Clara, California.

This means that a person with narcissistic traits may cry out of remorse or regret, not out of empathy.

They may feel embarrassed, for example, by being criticized for their role in a painful situation. They may feel sadness or regret because what happened has created a negative image of them.

Other Myths About Narcissism

Not all assumptions about narcissism are as true or as clear-cut as you might think. Below, we debunk some common myths about narcissism.

Do Narcissists Care About Your Feelings?

“Narcissism comes in varying degrees,” says Dana Harcourt, a licensed clinical social worker in Edge water, New Jersey. “Someone, even at the lowest levels, can be concerned with hurting others’ feelings.”

Related : The Tactic Narcissistic Personalities Often Use on Empathic People

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines narcissistic personality disorder as a deficit in empathy, meaning that living with severe narcissism suggests a low likelihood of being concerned about the feelings of others.

However, even those who meet the diagnostic criteria for narcissistic personality disorder may possess some degree of empathy, and some experts suggest that it is possible, though difficult, to cultivate empathy to some extent.

Do narcissists realize they are hurting your feelings?

A person with a narcissism may be aware that they are causing you distress, but awareness and concern are two different things.

“Their need to protect themselves often overrides their consideration for the feelings of others,” says Diane Kim, a licensed counselor in Kirkland, Washington. Do narcissists feel love?

“People with narcissistic personality disorder are usually capable of love,” says Blunt, “but it’s often self-serving, and there may not be the mutual exchange of desires that most people expect in relationships.”

This could mean that someone with narcissistic personality disorder only loves you for the services you provide that reinforce their sense of self-importance.

What are the types of narcissists?

Overt narcissism, sometimes called grandiose narcissism, is the most common form of narcissism and involves arrogant, exploitative, and selfish behaviors.

Covered narcissism, also known as fragile narcissism, involves playing the victim and using certain behaviors to compensate for low self-esteem or a lack of confidence.

Next steps

A relationship with someone who has narcissistic personality disorder can be difficult.

While narcissists are not devoid of feelings, their motivations can be selfish. They may be aware that they are hurting your feelings, but as long as it enhances their status, they may not care.

A person with narcissism may cry and feel remorse, regret, and sadness. However, these feelings often do not stem from empathy.