In layman's terms, the main difference between a narcissist and a psychopath lies in their underlying personality traits and behaviors:
Narcissist: A narcissist is someone who has an excessive sense of self-importance and an intense preoccupation with themselves. They often crave admiration and have a constant need for validation and attention from others. They may appear charming and confident but can also be manipulative and lack empathy. Narcissists have a fragile self-esteem and may react defensively to criticism or perceived slights. They tend to focus on their own achievements and success, often disregarding the feelings and needs of others.
Psychopath: A psychopath, on the other hand, is characterized by a lack of empathy and remorse, along with a disregard for societal norms and rules. Psychopaths can be highly manipulative, charming, and superficially charming. They may exhibit a charismatic demeanor but have difficulty forming genuine emotional connections with others. Unlike narcissists, psychopaths are more focused on achieving their own goals and desires without considering the consequences for others. They often engage in impulsive and irresponsible behavior, showing a lack of conscience or guilt.
In summary, while both narcissists and psychopaths may display self-centered and manipulative tendencies, the core distinction is that narcissists have an inflated sense of self-importance and a need for admiration, while psychopaths exhibit a lack of empathy, remorse, and disregard for social norms. It's important to note that diagnosing these personality disorders requires a professional evaluation, and not everyone who exhibits certain traits is a narcissist or a psychopath.