Stuck between a rock and a soft place
In a healthy relationship, both people give and take.
But what if one person does all the giving and the other only takes?
This might be a case where an empath and a narcissist are in a relationship together.
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That may sound like a complicated relationship dynamicand you’d most likely be right.
This could be a recipe for a very one-sided relationship where one partner is taking advantage of the other.
Do you get overwhelmed when you are surrounded by others who are stressed?
Do you get upset watching the news or violent movies?
Do your friends and family tend to confide in you with all their problems?
You might be an empath.
Empathsare deep feelers who have a strong sense of intuition.
They can read people like books and know who is faking and who is being authentic.
Theyre the ones who can tell youre having a bad day just by being around you.
And theyre the one who is the best listener in your group of friends.
Some people have more of these neurons than others which may make them empaths.
Theyre constantly craving praise and validation.
They get high on theirnarcissistic supply.
They have trouble empathizing and struggle to meet the needs of others.
Narcissistsare always looking out for themselves since they tend to have an inflated sense of self-importance.
They manipulate others to get what they want and dont feel bad doing it.
A narcissist is unlikely to admit to being a narcissist.
Each is characterized by polarizing traits and behaviors.
Empaths constantly give and narcissists constantly take while exploiting their partners empathy.
Both empaths and narcissists are skilled inemotional intelligence; however, they use it differently.
In this case, Riley is the empath and Jordan is the narcissist.
When Riley and Jordan meet, Riley is charmed by Jordans confidence and humor.
Empaths tend to be drawn to narcissistic partners because they resemble early caregivers.
This usually ends in frustration and is a futile effort.
Doing this exercise can help empaths recognize that the relationship is hurting them more than it is giving.
It is important for empaths to realize their needs are valid and worthy of being heard and met.
Empaths can take care of themselves by identifying their needs and setting boundaries.
You are also a person who deserves safety and mutual respect.
How Can Empaths Protect Themselves From Narcissists?
Empaths may become drained continually giving to a narcissist without receiving anything in return.
Romm shares that many deep feelers are used to being told they are too sensitive or making things up.
If you are an empath, practice rebuilding your trust with yourself.
Pay attention to what you are feeling and listen to the wisdom of your intuition and emotions.
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