Narcissists often have a deep need for admiration, attention, and control over others. They have an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others, which can lead to manipulative and exploitative behavior in relationships. When a person cries or shows emotional vulnerability due to the narcissist's actions, several reasons can explain their angry response:
Threat to their ego: Narcissists have fragile self-esteem and are highly sensitive to any perceived criticism or rejection. When they see someone emotionally hurt by their actions, it can be interpreted as a personal attack on their self-image, making them feel threatened and vulnerable. To defend against this threat, they may respond with anger to regain a sense of power and control over the situation.
Lack of empathy: Narcissists have difficulty empathizing with others and understanding their emotional experiences. As a result, they may not comprehend the pain they are causing and may view the other person's emotions as an overreaction or a sign of weakness. Instead of feeling remorse or understanding the impact of their behavior, they may become frustrated or annoyed by the display of emotions.
Need for control: Narcissists thrive on having control over others, and emotional displays like crying may be seen as a loss of control for them. When someone expresses vulnerability, the narcissist may feel that their power over the individual is slipping, and this can trigger anger as a way to regain dominance in the relationship.
Manipulation tactic: Some narcissists may use anger strategically as a means of manipulating the situation or the emotions of others. By becoming angry, they may try to shift the focus away from their hurtful actions and redirect blame onto the person who is crying. This tactic can confuse and intimidate the other person, making it easier for the narcissist to maintain control.
Lack of emotional regulation: Narcissists often struggle with emotional regulation, meaning they have difficulty managing their own feelings. When confronted with someone's emotional distress, they may not know how to respond in a healthy and empathetic way, leading to an angry outburst as a way to cope with their own discomfort.
It's important to note that these are general tendencies observed in narcissistic individuals, and not every narcissist will react the same way. If you are dealing with a narcissistic individual, it's essential to prioritize your well-being and seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals to navigate such challenging relationships.