5 Biggest Reasons Why Empaths Attract Narcissists

3. Empaths Offer the Benefit of the Doubt

Empaths tend to see the best in people, even when faced with red flags. They may rationalize a narcissist’s toxic actions, thinking, “Maybe I can change them” or “They didn’t mean to hurt me.” This tendency to give the benefit of the doubt makes empaths vulnerable to narcissists, who take advantage of their trust.

Narcissists rely on empaths’ hopefulness, using it to maintain control while continuing their manipulative behaviors unnoticed for longer.

4. Narcissists Perceive Empaths as Naive

Narcissists often assume that an empath’s kindness equates to naivety. They believe empaths are “stupid” or unaware of the manipulative “game” being played. The nicer an empath is, the less respect a narcissist has for them, mistaking their compassion for weakness. However, this perception is flawed.

Many empaths are aware of the manipulation but choose to give chances due to their good nature. When empaths finally recognize the narcissist’s true intentions, they can decisively walk away, leaving the narcissist stunned.