It is a myth that narcissism is synonymous with inability to experience sadness. Like anyone else, people with NPD still experience emotions and crying. However, their experiences are much more likely to be self-serving and less likely to be rooted in empathy.
Despite being able to perceive emotions like psychopaths (1, 32, 33), people affected by NPD may have compromised empathic functioning due to deficits in emotional empathy (e.g., neurobiological evidence) and motivation-based impairment in their cognitive empathic functioning.
They can't feel the joy of a loving relationship – they're incapable of love. They can't feel the fulfillment of a job well done – they're incapable of taking satisfaction from positive accomplishments – and they can't feel the contentment of doing a good deed for others – they're incapable of empathy.
Self-Centeredness: People with low emotional intelligence can also seem to be narcissistic. They'll often talk too much or take over conversations; they get defensive and angry when confronted or given feedback, are often tone-deaf to what's truly going on around them and generally have to always be right.
Because vulnerable narcissists have unstable self-esteem, they are often prone to intense emotions such as anger, envy, shame, and resentment. They fear others realizing or pointing out their imperfections and will have strong reactions whenever this happens, or they perceive the threat of this happening.
Narcissists can feel emotional pain, but not usually in the same way as others. The emotional pain they may feel is usually related to underlying selfish needs. Underneath the displays of superiority and sense of entitlement, they often feel empty, powerless, and shameful, which they perceive as weakness.
While people with narcissism aren't devoid of emotions, their motivations may be self-focused. They can know they're hurting your feelings, but as long as it elevates their status, they may not care. Someone living with narcissism does cry. They can feel regret, remorse, and sadness.
Cerebral Narcissist Traits
They hyperfocus on intellectual topics and go to great lengths to ensure others view them as the “smartest” in the room. Some defining traits of NPD in general include: Lack of empathy. Sense of entitlement.
Due to their low social competence, vulnerable narcissists often do not receive the attention and admiration they are searching for to satisfy their high sense of entitlement. This negative experience contributes to their enhanced levels of (social) anxiety [77].
In fact, self-esteem is one of the weak points of a narcissist. Usually, it's quite low. This causes them to develop multiple defenses in order to build a suit of shiny armor under which they protect themselves. Consequently, if there's one thing they can't tolerate, it's accepting their vulnerability.
Narcissists thrive on getting attention, feeling special, and having control.
Although empathy for animals and humans is certainly related, it is possible for pet owners with narcissistic traits, particularly Narcissistic Neuroticism, to have empathy and love for a pet despite having low empathy for humans.
Low self-worth/confidence/esteem is at the core of a narcissism. This low sense of self naturally makes it extremely easy for them to become jealous – very jealous. And not just about anyone potentially interested in you romantically, but anyone or anything that can take the focus off of them.
But eventually, if the empath decides not to return to the relationship, the narcissist will move on. This can be difficult for both individuals. An empath may wonder if they were the ones that overreacted, or feel guilty that they “gave up” on their partner.
Narcissists are attracted to certain types of people. Rather than weak, vulnerable people, they tend to go for the strong-willed and talented. They are also attracted to people who reflect well on themselves.
People with narcissistic personality disorder frequently have co-existing mental health conditions, including: Substance abuse—more than 40% use drugs or alcohol. Anxiety—40% have an anxiety disorder too. Mood disorders—nearly 29% also have a mood disorder, such as depression or bipolar II disorder.
Grandiose sense of self-importance
Grandiosity is the defining characteristic of narcissism. More than just arrogance or vanity, grandiosity is an unrealistic sense of superiority. Narcissists believe they are unique or “special” and can only be understood by other special people.
People with type A personalities attract narcissists, but a relationship between the two is a recipe for disaster. Narcissists know exactly who to target. Often they go after people with high levels of empathy.
Malignant narcissists are often regarded as having the most extreme form of NPD, and while they will have the regular qualities of someone with narcissistic personality disorder, their self-absorption and self-obsession is accompanied by some darker behaviors as well.
An injured narcissist will go into a narcissistic rage and self-sabotage relationships with their loved ones or at work in order to preserve their false self at all cost. They will hold the critic in contempt and view them as a threat for their survival.
Narcissists are highly sensitive to criticism or any perceived threat to their self-image, and they will go to great lengths to protect it. If you criticize them or challenge their dominance, you will trigger a defensive response.
Rage: Anger, frustration, and rage can create tears in many people, including those with NPD. Criticism: The experience of receiving criticism can be so overwhelming for people with narcissistic personality disorder that many will cry. Fear: When someone with NPD is experiencing fear, it is normal to cry.