22 Stages of Relationship Between An Empath And Narcissist

Within prior articles on The Minds Journal, discussions revolved around relationships involving narcissists. However, this piece specifically delves into the intricate stages that unfold within a relationship shared by an empath and a narcissist. This collision of two distinct personas creates a rollercoaster journey that is both tumultuous and revealing.

Here are 22 stages of relationship between an empath and a narcissist. Empaths and narcissists stand on opposite ends of the spectrum. Empaths possess heightened sensitivity, attuned to others’ emotions, often exuding care and compassion. Conversely, narcissists harbor an inflated self-importance, lack empathy, and yearn for constant admiration. As these two contrasting characters merge, the resultant relationship becomes a whirlwind of intensity and passion, intermingled with potential destruction. Here unfolds the 22 stages encountered in an empath-narcissist relationship:

Attraction of the Empath to the Narcissist

The foundation of a toxic relationship is laid as the empath finds themselves drawn to the narcissist. Empaths, who love deeply and unconditionally, believe they’ve found an exceptional love. The narcissist reinforces this belief, creating an illusion of uniqueness.

Creation of Illusions

The narcissist continues crafting illusions, cementing the empath’s conviction that their bond is extraordinary. This perceived deep connection is challenging to sever, initiating the toxic dance between empath and narcissist.

Narcissist’s Hidden Motive

The narcissist may appear equally invested in the relationship, but their underlying desire is to control and consume the empath’s time, energy, and love.

Erosion of Empath’s Confidence

Over time, the narcissist chips away at the empath’s self-assuredness, fostering a sense of inadequacy through veiled criticisms. They seize control, targeting areas symbolizing independence.

Empath’s Unwavering Devotion

Driven by love, the empath becomes the emotional caregiver, supporting the narcissist’s needs. This stage underscores the narcissist as the victim, fostering the empath’s role as a giver.

Empath’s Misguided Healing

Empaths mistakenly believe healing the narcissist’s unresolved wounds is akin to addressing their own. They continually strive to maintain happiness for the narcissist.

Narcissist’s Dominance

The relationship becomes narcissist-centric, with the empath conceding their needs to appease their partner. The empath’s self-expression wanes as they fear displeasing the narcissist.

Narcissist’s Empowerment

The empath’s devotion bolsters the narcissist’s control. The empath becomes a puppet, dancing to the narcissist’s tune, unable to recognize the impending crisis.

Empath’s Eruption

An emotional breaking point prompts the empath to challenge the narcissist. Emotional needs long neglected trigger confrontation, threatening the narcissist’s control.

Narcissist’s Attention-Seeking

Narcissists thrive on attention, yet their insatiable demands can never be met, leading them to seek satisfaction in external sources.

Empath’s Assertion

The empath’s assertion of their needs is met with disdain by the narcissist, who labels them as dramatic and overbearing.

Empath’s Confusion and Self-Blame

Confusion reigns as the empath blames themselves for the negative behavior exhibited by the narcissist.

Manipulation of the Truth

The narcissist distorts reality, crafting a twisted perspective to cast themselves as victims. This manipulation veils the empath’s perception.