There are people who are the exact opposite of narcissists. In fact, at least three different personality types are considered to be opposites of a narcissist.
They are empaths, echoists, and altruists. Each group of people possesses various similar but separate characteristics.
Some can successfully be in a relationship with a narcissist, while others find narcissists impossible. Read on to learn all about them.
Table of Contents
Empaths
The first group of people is empaths. These people can sense the emotions of other folks and know how to respond properly. A true narcissist will hate a true empath.
That is because the traditional empath will never cave to the whims of the narcissist. Instead of getting angry, the empath responds with kindness.
This really fires up the narcissist and makes them determined to gain control.
You may well find an empath as a school or camp counselor or perhaps as a missionary helping people who are less fortunate than themselves.
They love to teach and use their personality and gifts to assist other people and are usually excellent at doing so.
Defining traits of empaths
They are typically easy to spot in a crowd. They will appear uncomfortable when surrounded by other people. Empaths are extremely sensitive to noises and smells.
A person who exudes empathy is completely in tune with the feelings and emotions of others.
They can read between the lines during a conversation with someone and sense what is really going on with them.
Many personality experts agree that empaths make terrific psychologists and psychiatrists for these reasons.
The empath is usually a non-judgmental type of person and knows precisely what to say to help a patient.
Echoists
Another opposite to the narcissist is an echoist. Unlike empaths, however, narcissists love having an echoist as a romantic partner. Why? Keep reading!
An echoist does not like to stand out in a crowd. They do not feel they are special in any way and prefer to remain in the background.
This is perfect for a narcissist. They can always be in the spotlight because their echoist mate allows it.
This individual will also concentrate on the needs of others instead of their own. Yet another trait that endears a narcissist.
The echoist will make many personal sacrifices to keep their partner happy. This truly pleases the narcissist.
Additional characteristics of an echoist
There are many, so we’ve highlighted a few of them to give you the best perspective.
- They truly care about other people.
- They are always ready to help.
- They are loving and faithful partners.
- They rarely ask for help for themselves.
- They are more likely to still follow their parents’ instructions, even as adults with their own families.
- They feel embarrassed when they are complimented.
- They are hesitant to offer their own opinions unless it is in a professional counseling session.
- They will never impose on others, not even their own families.
- They shoulder the blame when problems arise in their relationships.
- Believe it or not, the echoists also make terrific counselors.
Altruists
Altruists are the complete opposite of a narcissist.
The altruist enjoys helping other people and makes it their life’s mission. You will often find them volunteering their time and services when others need help.
An altruist is an extremely friendly and sociable person.
They are generous to a fault and are genuinely concerned about the welfare of their relatives, friends, and even total strangers.
Rather than finding an altruist appealing, a narcissist will usually become very annoyed with them.
The narcissist fails to understand the attitude of the altruist. This leads to a lot of arguments and failed relationships.
More personality traits of an altruist
An altruistic individual is not easily knocked off course. What that means is, if they set out to accomplish a mission, 95% of the time they will fulfill it.
They do not let anyone else discourage them.
They have a penchant for disliking to be complimented in public, and their personal aura is one of quiet confidence.
They believe in themselves and their abilities. This is another reason they will accomplish their mission.
Although the altruist is an easy-going person, nobody should ever mistake them for pushovers.
They will not allow a narcissist to walk all over them. Rather than responding with anger, the altruist kills them with kindness.
This really frustrates the narcissist who will attempt to control the altruist.
How a narcissist views their opposites
Instead of admiring these folks, the narcissist often becomes irritated with them.
The narcissistic individual can never bring themself to understand the selfless actions and attitudes of their partner.
They may even become angry and storm out of the home when they cannot win an argument.
Whether a person is an empath, an echoist, or an altruist, they are the total opposite of a narcissist. In some cases, romantic partnerships between the two can work out.
This happens when the other person accepts the narcissist for who he is and uses their own characteristics to deal with him.
If the partner is willing to tolerate the often-overbearing traits of their narcissistic mate, the union can last for decades.
They should understand that the narcissist won’t ever be the one to give in. A lot of strife and unpleasant days could be ahead.
Empaths, echoists, and altruists are NOT weak
People who are neither narcissists nor one of the opposite personalities should understand the true nature of the opposite folks.
These opposite personalities are not weak by any stretch of the imagination. They simply choose kindness over rudeness and thoughtlessness.
When backed into the proverbial corner, these individuals will stand their ground. How they wish to do this depends on their personality type.
The three opposites we discussed all respond to uncomfortable situations in different ways.
It is pertinent to point out that the response of any individual with one of these personality types will rarely be with anger or violent outbursts.
Instead, they will think up a positive way of replying to the offensive behavior of their peers.
What to expect in a relationship with a narcissist
This information is especially important to people about to enter into a relationship with a narcissist. a
Although the narcissist’s attitudes may initially seem attractive, eventually they will become annoying. Can you really tolerate this?
Narcissists will almost never give in or quit when they don’t get their way.
If you are an empath, an echoist, or an altruist, be prepared to be frustrated with this person on a constant basis. Either abandon the relationship or learn to live with this.
Be prepared to be outright lied to at times. With some narcissists, this happens a lot. Deception typically leads to a failed relationship.
The only way to avoid this is if you are willing to accept this behavior for posterity. It is your personal choice.
