When an empath identifies and tells a person they believe to be a narcissist that they are one, it can lead to various outcomes depending on the individuals involved and their reactions to the situation. Here are some possible scenarios that could occur:
Denial and Defensiveness: The person accused of being a narcissist might react with denial and defensiveness. Narcissists often struggle to accept criticism or acknowledge their faults, and they may dismiss the empath's observation as baseless or an attempt to undermine them.
Gaslighting: In response to being labeled a narcissist, the individual might engage in gaslighting behavior, trying to make the empath doubt their perceptions and feelings. They may manipulate the situation to make the empath feel as if they are the ones who are mistaken or overly sensitive.
Anger and Retaliation: Narcissists can be prone to anger and may retaliate against the empath for challenging their self-perceived superiority. They might use tactics like verbal abuse or emotional manipulation to regain control or punish the empath for their assertion.
Validation and Self-Reflection: In some cases, the individual might show surprising self-awareness and willingness to engage in self-reflection. They might recognize some of their narcissistic traits and consider seeking help or therapy to address their issues.
Discard or Withdrawal: If the empath confronts the narcissist about their behavior, it could result in the narcissist choosing to discard the empath. This might involve cutting off contact, devaluing the empath, or emotionally detaching to find a new source of validation.
Continued Manipulation: The narcissist may use the empath's knowledge of their narcissism against them, further exploiting their empathic nature and vulnerabilities to maintain control in the relationship.
Negotiation and Manipulation: The narcissist might try to negotiate with the empath, promising to change or seek help while simultaneously employing manipulation tactics to maintain their influence and dominance.
Empathic Disengagement: Realizing the futility of trying to change the narcissist, the empath might choose to disengage from the relationship to protect their well-being and emotional health.
It's important to remember that confronting a narcissist about their behavior can be risky, especially if the empath is still entangled in the relationship. Narcissists can be skilled manipulators, and confronting them may expose the empath to emotional harm or further exploitation.
If an empath suspects they are dealing with a narcissist, seeking professional help and support is essential. A therapist can provide guidance on coping strategies, setting boundaries, and understanding healthier relationship dynamics. Additionally, distancing oneself from toxic relationships and focusing on self-care and personal growth is crucial for an empath's well-being.