If you’ve recently met a person who you believe is a narcissist, then you may be trying to learn as much about people with this disorder as possible.
There is a great deal to learn about narcissists and their behavior, and you likely have plenty of questions.
One question that you might have is if narcissists cry since most of them have no empathy.
Surprisingly, narcissists do cry, but not usually for the same reasons that non-narcissists do.
There are a few theories as to why narcissists might cry, as every person with this disorder is different.
Here is an in-depth overview of why narcissists cry as well as other information that might help you understand people with this condition better.
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Crying due to a buildup of negative emotions
One reason why some narcissists cry is that they might experience an overload of negative emotions.
Narcissists are very negative people by nature, and not only do they like making other people feel bad, but many of them feel bad themselves. However, they try to hide it with their grandiose and over-the-top thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Crying is a way for them to release some of their pent-up negative emotions, but, unfortunately, it doesn’t help them to become more positive.
Ingenuine tears due to manipulative behavior
One thing that narcissists are good at is manipulating others with their cunning behavior, and many will pretend to be upset to the point of crying.
It is often part of their “act” to cry and make others feel sorry for them, so they’re able to get what they’re seeking.
This is sad but true, and many narcissists are so good at their antics that many people actually believe their tears are genuine.
What do narcissists think about other people’s tears?
When narcissists witness other people crying, it actually makes them smile because, to them, tears are a sign of weakness. This supports the fact that they feel like others are inferior to them.
So, instead of providing comfort to someone who is crying and obviously upset, a narcissist might actually take pleasure in the other person’s pain.
While this might seem like sadistic behavior, it’s simply typical behavior for the average narcissist.
Do most people hate being around narcissists?
Most people find it very difficult to be around a narcissist, as narcissists are extremely attention-seeking, negative, and annoying.
Narcissists can sometimes have some positive qualities, as many of them are hardworking, but hearing them brag about their achievements all the time and watching them fail to show empathy towards others around them can be too much for some people to deal with.
This can be especially true for individuals who are forced to be around a narcissist on a regular basis.
What is it like being in a relationship with a narcissist?
Being in a relationship with a narcissist can be one of the hardest things a person has ever done in their life.
Narcissists are very arrogant and self-involved, and they also lack the ability to show empathy towards others.
Narcissists are unable to love another person – they’re too busy loving themselves – so being in a relationship with someone like this can be truly miserable and unfulfilling.
Is narcissism an official disorder?
While some people only exhibit a few traits of narcissism, others actually suffer from a full-blown narcissistic personality disorder.
This disorder is only diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional who can also help a person treat this condition.
However, most narcissists would never willingly see a therapist or psychologist, so an official diagnosis may not be possible.
Are male narcissists different than females with the same condition?
Male narcissists are, in fact, different from female narcissists, as women are more likely to be manipulative, while men are more apt to be more verbally aggressive.
There is also a much higher chance of men being narcissists than women, which is likely attributed to the fact that men are often naturally more aggressive and power-seeking.
Despite the differences in male and female narcissists, both men and women with this condition are still just as difficult to be around, even if it’s for different reasons.
What causes a person to become a narcissist?
People aren’t automatically born narcissists, and this condition usually manifests as a result of some type of childhood trauma.
Either a person was pushed too hard as a child to achieve some impossible goals and then berated when they were unable to, or they were held so high up on a pedestal that they were raised to believe that they were superior to other people, which prompted their condition.
Severe neglect or emotional unavailability from their parents could also be a reason why a person has become a narcissist.
Regardless of the cause, most narcissists don’t have happy and fulfilling lives, and some have even been known to commit suicide or at least attempt it.
This is because some narcissists are aware that something isn’t quite right, but they often refrain from seeking out mental health treatment that could help to improve their lives.
Can a person outgrow narcissism?
While every person has the ability to change, narcissistic personality disorder is a lifelong condition that can’t be outgrown.
Most narcissistic people only grow worse as they get older, which makes maintaining relationships with others difficult.
There is treatment for this condition, although not a cure, so once a person has this disorder, they simply must learn to adapt.
There is therapy available, and even medication, but getting a narcissist to agree to seek therapy and take medication is a real feat in most situations.
The narcissist would not only disagree that anything is wrong, but they would also see seeking assistance from therapy or medication as a sign of weakness, and they don’t want to be associated with anything that is seen as “weak.”
How to deal with a narcissistic co-worker
If you are forced to work side-by-side with a narcissistic co-worker, you likely have days when you dread going to work.
Being forced to be work partners with such a person can be mentally exhausting, especially if you work full-time and spend several hours each day with the person.
However, there are effective ways to tolerate a coworker who is a narcissist, and you should focus on the person’s positive qualities, your job duties, as well as the job itself.
If you allow yourself to focus on the things that the narcissist says on a regular basis, then you might find yourself daydreaming about strangling your work partner, because again, narcissists can be cruel, negative, and nasty.
Just realize that the person is suffering from a mental illness and that they can’t help the way they are.
It might be difficult to ignore their comments, but if you’re able to, it can save you from becoming so angry and irritated with your co-worker.
Dealing with a narcissist supervisor
Having a narcissist as a supervisor can be quite difficult to deal with, as well. For many people, the ideal supervisor is supportive, empathetic, and always there when needed.
However, a narcissist is unable to show support and empathy, so you and your co-workers will never receive the support that you need.
Narcissists may be good at performing certain aspects of a supervisory position, but when it comes to actual human interaction, they will fail miserably.
If you’re unlucky enough to have a narcissist as a supervisor and you’re determined to keep your job, then you must find a way to get along with your supervisor.
By focusing on his or her positive personality traits, while simultaneously focusing on the tasks at hand, you might find that dealing with a narcissistic supervisor is difficult but not impossible.
Some people are unable to handle having a narcissist for a supervisor, and after clashing with their boss, they often end up quitting.
Do narcissists have extremely high self-esteem?
Since narcissists are always boasting about their accomplishments and berating others, many people believe that people with this condition have inflated levels of self-esteem.
However, the opposite is actually true, as many narcissists actually secretly suffer from low self-esteem.
Their low self-worth is often so secret that even the narcissist himself believes that his self-esteem is high, or he either ignores it or simply pretends.
How to get a narcissist to be a better person
There is no way to get a narcissist to change and become a better person, because they, first of all, don’t feel like they need to change, and secondly, they already feel like they’re the perfect person.
If you suggest to a narcissist that they need to change, you can expect them to become offended or even angry.
Narcissists have no interest in being “better” people, as they derive pleasure in ways that others don’t consider to be normal.
As you can see, narcissists do cry, and depending on the specific individual, they could even cry quite often.
However, their tears could be a manipulative ploy to get others to do something that they want, or simply to get attention.
A narcissist could also cry simply because they have an overload of negative emotions and need to unload all the toxic feelings that have accumulated.
