Am I a Narcissist, or Something Else?

Are you trying to determine if you are a narcissist or an empath? Or maybe even a victim? It’s important to know the difference between these terms in order to understand your behavior and feelings.

Spoiler: After you read this article, there is a fantastic “Am I a Narcissist or an Empath?” quiz at the end. This will help you sum up what you’ve read and see how it applies to you.

Narcissists tend to be self-centered, have an inflated sense of entitlement and lack empathy for others. They often manipulate others into doing what they want without considering the consequences of their actions. Victims often feel helpless and powerless against narcissistic people, but can take steps to protect themselves from further harm. Sometimes people find themselves wondering, “Am I a narcissist, or a victim of one?”

On the other hand, empaths are very sensitive and deeply care about the well being of others. They may even put others before themselves. Empaths will not try to control or manipulate situations in order to get what they want.

The Differences Between Narcissists and Empaths

To determine whether you are a narcissist or an empath, there are several important factors to consider. Start by spending time examining your relationships with others. Are you mostly concerned with your own needs, or do you prioritize the needs and feelings of those around you? A narcissist tends to value themselves above others, while an empath is more focused on the needs of others.

Another important factor to consider is how you handle conflict. Narcissists tend to manipulate and control situations to benefit themselves, while empaths usually try to resolve conflicts peacefully and without manipulation. If you tend to act in a controlling manner, you may be exhibiting narcissistic tendencies.

It’s also important to evaluate your emotional responses to situations. Narcissists tend to lack empathy and may struggle to understand the emotions of others. While empaths are highly attuned to the emotions of those around them. They may even feel overwhelmed or distressed by the emotions of others.

Another helpful indicator is looking at how you take care of yourself. Narcissists can be self-centered and focus on vanity over their own self-care. Empaths tend to prioritize self-care in order to better care for those around them. They often take breaks from social media, prioritize healthy habits, and seek help from a mental health professional when needed.

When Narcissism Becomes Emotional Abuse

By examining the differences between narcissists and empaths, finding out if you’re a narcissist becomes easier. Remember that self-awareness is key to personal growth and protecting yourself from further harm. If you do think that you may have narcissistic tendencies or suffer from narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), it can be helpful to seek professional help. Making changes in your life can take time, but it will ultimately lead to healthier relationships and improved self-care.

It’s also important to consider the impact of your behavior on others. Are your actions causing harm or distress to others, or are they beneficial and supportive? Do you take responsibility for your actions, or do you blame others for your problems? Guilt tripping others can also be a sign of people with NPD.

Victims of narcissistic abuse often find that seeking professional help can be beneficial. A therapist can help you learn new coping strategies and develop healthier relationship patterns. They can also assist you in identifying the root causes of your behavior and work with you to address them.

Male and Female Narcissists

When it comes to narcissistic behavior, studies have shown that there are differences between narcissistic females and males. While both genders can exhibit narcissistic tendencies and inflict emotional abuse, there are some notable differences in how these behaviors manifest.

If a woman is asking herself, “Am I a narcissistic woman?” she may have narcissistic tendencies. She can start by examining her own behavior in various situations.

For example, does she tend to prioritize her own needs over others’, even at the expense of others’ well-being? Does she struggle to empathize with others or take their perspectives into account? Does she rely on others to validate her worth or seek admiration from others?

Narcissistic women tend to be passive aggressive and definitely cannot deal with a narcissistic man.

It’s worth noting that women are not inherently more likely to be narcissists than men. However, societal gender roles and expectations may play a role in how narcissistic tendencies manifest in individuals of different genders. For example, women are often socialized to prioritize the needs and desires of others over their own. This can contribute to an unhealthy focus on validation and approval from others.

For men, narcissism tends to be centered around a need for power and control. They may be more aggressive and dominant in their behavior. They may insist on being the center of attention and fee entitled to special treatment.

They may also be more prone to engaging in risky or impulsive behaviors. They seek to feed their desire for excitement and attention.

Am I an Empath or a Narcissist Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions honestly to determine if you have more narcissistic or empathic tendencies. Choose the answer that best applies to you.

1. How often do you put other people’s needs ahead of your own?

a) Always

b) Often

c) Sometimes

d) Rarely

e) Never

2. When you get into an argument with someone, how often do you take their perspective into consideration?

a) Always

b) Often

c) Sometimes

d) Rarely

e) Never

3. How often do you seek validation or approval from others?

a) Always

b) Often

c) Sometimes

d) Rarely

e) Never

4. When someone disagrees with you, how do you typically react?

a) I listen to their perspective and try to understand their point of view.

b) I become defensive and try to prove them wrong.

c) I dismiss their opinion and believe I am always right.

d) I become angry and lash out at them.

e) Other: _______________________

5. How often do you manipulate or control others to get what you want?

a) Always

b) Often

c) Sometimes

d) Rarely

e) Never

6. Do you tend to blame others for your problems or take responsibility for your actions?

a) I take responsibility for my actions and am accountable for my mistakes.

b) I tend to blame others for my problems and have a hard time admitting I’m wrong.

c) It depends on the situation.

d) Other: _______________________

7. How often do you prioritize your own needs and desires over those of others?

a) Always

b) Often

c) Sometimes

d) Rarely

e) Never

8. How often do you empathize with others and take their feelings into account?

a) Always

b) Often

c) Sometimes

d) Rarely

e) Never

Scoring

Add up the number of a’s, b’s, c’s, d’s, and e’s you selected.

If you answered mostly a’s or b’s: You likely have more empathic tendencies.

If you answered mostly c’s, d’s, or e’s: You may have more narcissistic tendencies.

*Remember, this quiz is not a diagnostic tool. It is important to seek professional help if you have concerns about your behavior or mental health.

To learn more about Narcissists and Empaths:

The Narcissist and Empath Relationship

How To Know If You’re an Empath

Are Empaths Drawn to Each Other?