If you ignore this, you’ll regret it later. Trust me, narcissists have a knack for faking empathy, and if you’re not careful, you might miss the signs. Sure, they can say all the right things, but their body language is where the truth leaks out. Today, we’ll dive into the eight reasons why narcissists fake empathy.
Are you ready for number one? To mirror you and build false rapport. Have you ever felt like someone was trying just a little too hard to be in sync with you? Narcissists are experts at pretending to connect, but it’s all a game. They mirror your emotions, behaviors, and body language to make you think they understand you better than anyone. The goal is to manipulate and build a false sense of rapport. It’s like they’re using a script from a bad acting class, where smiles are delayed, nods are exaggerated, and their expressions are just off.
Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a psychologist and expert on narcissism, explains that this tactic isn’t just for show; it’s designed to gain your trust and control your reactions. Narcissists thrive on making others feel like they’re seen, but only in ways that benefit them. It makes you unsure of whether the connection is real or just another performance.
Now, let’s talk about number two: to appear emotionally intelligent. Narcissists know that showing empathy makes them look deep and evolved, but in reality, it’s a facade. They love to appear emotionally intelligent because it gives them an edge in social or professional settings. They can say all the right things about understanding and caring, but their body often gives them away.
Dr. Carol McBride, a therapist who specializes in narcissistic abuse, points out that narcissists often have micro-expressions—tiny, almost imperceptible changes in their facial expressions that reveal the truth. It’s when a brief smirk flashes across their face while you’re sharing something painful, or their eyebrow raises just a bit too much while they’re listening. They’re trying to act like they care, but their face forgot to read the script.
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