Introduction
Do you see signs of a dark empath? They could be the most dangerous person in the room. Dark empaths are notoriously difficult to spot and discover. They can seem like a psychopath if you know them well, but it’s most likely they seem like a normal person in almost every setting and situation.
Sources:
Introducing the Dark Empath
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/experimentations/202008/introducing-the-dark-empath-0
New Research: Beware ‘Dark Empaths’
www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/psychology-psychopaths-dark-empaths-study.html
How to Spot a Dark Empath
psychcentral.com/health/what-is-a-dark-empath
Chief Editor: Tristan Reed
Voice Over: Troy W. Hudson
For Troy: www.youtube.com/TroyWHudson
Music from Bensound.com
Video
Hey everyone, and welcome to TopThink.
Today.
We will learn about ten signs of a dark empath.
The most dangerous personality.
Type.
Now.
Let’s begin What.
Does it mean to have empathy for another person? Empathy allows us to understand the feelings of others.
This compelling emotion drives, many of the greatest and kindest we as humans do.
It’s.
The reason we bother to remember people’s names or donate food to someone in need.
Empathy is the reason you cry during sad movies.
And also the reason you smile when other people find love or achieve their dreams.
Even, though nothing is happening in your life.
You can see things from their point of view.
You understand what it’s like to be sad, happy, and everything in between.
If.
You’re a highly empathetic person.
You may experience those strong emotions, right alongside them.
In, many ways, our social systems depend on our ability to understand and feel empathy for one another.
Without, empathy.
People become reckless, impulsive, and aggressive.
They, no longer act with others in mind.
And instead abuse, the empathy of others for personal gain.
This is commonplace among dark personalities, like narcissists and psychopaths — people who have deficits in their ability to feel empathy —.
But recently psychologists identified a growing number of individuals with a strange combination of traits.
Like psychopaths.
They have many dark personality, traits.
They’re, reckless, impulsive, and manipulative.
But they also have a great capacity for cognitive empathy.
The key word here is “cognitive”.
Empathy.
This is your ability to understand emotional responses without necessarily experiencing the same strong, feelings.
Most people with high levels of cognitive empathy.
Also develop other kinds of empathy, like somatic or affective empathy.
But this unique personality type does not.
In combination with other dark personality, traits, an abundance of cognitive empathy creates a dangerous and perceptive sociopath who can accurately understand people’s emotions and use them for personal gain.
Individuals with this unique combination of traits are called dark empaths.
And they can be very challenging to identify.
They, look and act like everyone else.
And they respond normally to most situations.
Yet they take pleasure in subtly toying with peoples’ feelings, often through bullying, intimidation, and exclusion.
If.
You’re worried there is a dark empath in your life, pay attention to these.
Ten warning signs.
Otherwise, this dangerous personality type can and will take advantage of you.
1.
Extroversion with a Twist Psychopathic personalities tend to be introverted and self-centered.
They don’t typically enjoy social situations unless there’s an advantage to be gained, but dark empaths approach social situations much differently.
According to a 2017 survey.
Dark empaths are significantly more likely to be extroverted and socially acclimated.
They typically have big groups of friends, possess good, social skills, and display comfort in various social settings., In other words.
They enjoy interacting with people and blend seamlessly into their surroundings, which makes them all the more dangerous.
2., Narcissistic, Grandiosity Do.
You know, someone who thinks a little too highly of themselves? Self-absorption and grandiosity are common traits among most dark personalities., However, dark empaths are especially susceptible to distorted visions of themselves.
For instance, a dark empath may dramatize their traumas to pull on the heartstrings of the people around them.
Perhaps.
They overestimate their charm and charisma or perceive themselves as more inspiring or attractive than they are.
Instead of channeling their narcissism into acts of violence, dark empaths feed on social hierarchies and self-serving bonds, — anything satisfies their cravings for attention and praise., 3., Paying, Your, Debts, In, some cases, dark empaths can be especially tricky to separate from normal, empathetic, people.
Despite, their narcissism and manipulative extroversion, dark empaths, pay close attention to the needs and circumstances of other people.
In fact, many dark empaths, make surprising sacrifices or thoughtful favors for their friends and partners.
This behavior is very unusual for other dark.
Personalities., A, psychopath or narcissist would never make a sacrifice unless they got something more significant in return.
But.
Dark empaths are interested in a different kind of exchange.
While.
They appear to be kind and considerate individuals.
Their sacrifices are designed to gain control over you.
For example, a dark empath may do you a favor, but they’re only doing this favor to create a feeling of debt and guilt.
Dark empaths understand precisely how sacrifices affect peoples’ emotions.
So don’t be fooled by their acts of kindness.
4., The, Dark, Side of Humor.
Humor is a powerful tool used by dark empaths to disguise their manipulative, tactics.
They often present as lighthearted, funny, and effortlessly, charming people.
But they subtly use humor to attack others and destroy threats in their social sphere.
For example, a dark empath may recognize another strong personality in their friend group.
They may feel envious of the attention this person receives.
So they use underhanded jokes to trash their reputation or damage their self-esteem.
They claim.
They’re just joking.
But their malicious sense of humor is designed to bring people down., 5., Perverse, Satisfaction, Do.
You know, someone who enjoys stirring up conflict? Many, dark, empaths gain satisfaction by driving others into miserable situations.
Let’s say, you turn to a dark empath for advice.
They may pretend to support and encourage you, but their advice will drive you deeper into conflict and frustration.
In other words, dark empaths, take pleasure in toying with the emotions of others.
They, give bad advice, stir up conflict, and play.
Both sides.
They gossip about their friends and subtly intimidate.
Their enemies.
Ultimately.
These personalities thrive in highly emotional, conflict-driven situations.
They have an uncanny ability to manipulate the emotions of others.
And that makes dark empaths.
The most dangerous personality, type.
6., A, Different, Kind of Narcissist, One personality trait that separates dark empaths from traditional narcissists is their tendency to criticize themselves.
Narcissists are poor judges of their strengths and weaknesses.
They consistently overestimate their worth and exaggerate their accomplishments because they believe they are superior to everyone else.
On.
The other hand, dark empaths present a confident exterior, but deep down, they are intensely critical of themselves.
Their surface-level grandiosity is consistently undermined by self-doubt and self-effacing behavior, often to the point of cruelty and abuse.
As, a result, their self-esteem may fluctuate wildly between public and private settings.
In, social situations, dark empaths, exaggerate their personas and confidently navigate social expectations.
However, in private, their confidence, crumbles.
And they become cruel and critical.
If, your friend or partner, alternates between effortless, confidence and alarmingly self-criticism.
You may be close to someone with the most dangerous personality.
Type.
7., Cognitive, Separation, While, dark, empaths score higher on measures of empathy.
They don’t necessarily care about other people’s emotions.
A.
True empath identifies how others feel and sympathizes with their joys and sorrows.
A, dark empath, on the other hand, keeps their emotional, distance.
They act, like your best friend and your closest confidante, but a dark empath doesn’t actually care about you or your feelings.
They are emotionally disconnected from everyone in their lives, often as a form of social strategy and self-defense.
The more disconnected.
This person feels, the less painful.
It becomes to manipulate other people’s emotions.
So, don’t be fooled by their kindness and emotional intelligence.
It may feel like this person is on your side.
But as soon as they see an opportunity…, a dark empath will put their needs far in front of your own., 8., The, Dark, Saboteur, When.
They identify a social advantage.
A dark empath goes to great lengths to put themselves in a comfortable position.
This is especially true.
When you introduce these toxic people to your friends and family.
Let’s say, you are dating someone with this dangerous personality, type.
You’ve been dating for several months.
So you decide to introduce your partner to your circle of friends., A, dark empath will work tirelessly to gain their trust and blend seamlessly into their lives.
They may change their personalities to earn their approval and learn their secrets.
If.
You have a dark empath in your life.
They may try to infiltrate your social circle and, in some cases…, push you out of it.
If, a dark empath sees you as a threat.
They won’t hesitate to damage your reputation and sabotage your relationships from the inside out.
9., Casual, Deception, Many, manipulative tactics, revolve around some form of dishonesty.
Dark empaths will bend the truth, twist people’s words, and omit information to influence your emotions and behavior.
Let’s say, for example, that you find someone attractive.
But you’re unsure if this person likes you back.
So, you talk to a friend who happens to be a dark, empath., You express your feelings for this person.
But your friend has a hidden agenda.
They.
Don’t want you to give attention or affection to anyone else.
So they casually slip lies into the conversation.
They might say, “I.
Think they’re already seeing someone,” or “I.
Don’t think they will make you happy.” A, dark, empath, understands the effect.
These comments have on your confidence and motivation.
After hearing.
These things, you may change your mind.
You may cling to your friend because they feel like the only person on your side.
10.
Starving for Affection Dark empaths understand the positive influence of physical and emotional, intimacy., They know how love, praise, and attention affect your self-esteem and confidence.
So they flood their friends and partners with intimacy and positivity.
They’re constantly supportive and affectionate.
And they rapidly develop depth and meaning in your relationship.
But, their overwhelming affection rarely ever lasts.
For several weeks or months.
This person may be glued to your side… until one day.
They start acting like strangers., Out of nowhere.
They take away all the attention and praise.
You learned to love.
Why? Because.
They expect you to come begging for more.
It’s, a cruel tactic.
And a malicious means of expressing love in any friendship or relationship.
But.
It’s one common way, dark empaths, create the toxic and lopsided relationships.
They constantly crave.
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FAQs
Is the dark empath the most dangerous personality type? ›
Our study, published in Personality and Individual Differences, identified a group of individuals with dark traits who report above average empathic capacities – we call them "dark empaths". Since this study, the dark empath has earned a reputation as the most dangerous personality profile.
Why is dark empath the most dangerous personality type? ›Why Are Dark Empaths Dangerous? Dark empaths can control and manipulate others by using their feelings against them. The victim may be left questioning their own feelings, thoughts and behaviors while believing they are at fault. Dark empaths may also be even harder to identify than a narcissist.
What is the most dangerous empath? ›Say hello to the dark empath, who mixes the traits of the dark triad with an ability to understand others' emotions. A master manipulator, the dark empath might be the most dangerous personality type there is.
Are dark empaths aggressive? ›Research published in 2021 in the journal Personality and Individual Differences suggests that dark empaths can be aggressive, extroverted, and agreeable, and exhibit dark triad traits at varying degrees. Dark empaths don't necessarily lack empathy, however.
What powers do dark empaths have? ›A dark empath is someone who uses cognitive empathy at the expense of others, often for personal gain. They can recognize someone's situation without sympathizing with them. Cognitive empathy is one of three types of empathy outlined by researchers Paul Ekman and Daniel Goleman.
What are dark empaths good at? ›Dark empaths use their ability to understand another person's feelings to exploit another person's emotions. Empaths connect with others and this connection can lead to healthy and deep relationships.
What are 3 traits of dark empath? ›Research has revealed that the personality type of the dark empath has the dark triad of traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathic tendencies.
How rare is a dark empath? ›Unfortunately, if you've never heard of dark empathy, it's more common than you may think. A study of 991 participants revealed that 19.3% ranked as dark empaths. Dark empathy is related to narcissism as a part of the “dark triad” (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy).
What is the darkest personality type? ›- Narcissism.
- Psychopathy.
- Machiavellianism.
Sociopaths are more dangerous than narcissists. People with antisocial personality disorder are more likely to be engaged in an abusive or controlling relationship. They're also more likely to be involved in illegal activities or financial fraud schemes.
What type of narcissist is most dangerous? ›
Malignant narcissism is considered by many to be the most severe type. 2 That's why it helps to recognize when you have someone with this condition in your life and what to expect from interactions with them.
Is a dark empath a sociopath? ›But, while some experts consider the dark empath a personality on its own, other experts say that the dark empath is a narcissist or sociopath who can feel some empathy towards others.
What happens when empaths get angry? ›As an empath in a tense moment, your heart rate may quicken even more than normal. Your anger may feel heightened, your sadness more intense. It's harder to control your own emotions because you have your emotions and your partner's emotions running through your body.
Can a dark empath love someone? ›Dark empaths can be loving and give us the relationship goals we've always wanted. Yet, under the surface, their actions are designed to manipulate us — not so that we can have what we've always wanted but so that they can achieve their own ends.
What happens when a dark empath meets a narcissist? ›Narcissists and dark empaths are no strangers to lying and being in control. Their absence of guilt and hunger for power makes them masters of manipulation. When a narcissist and a dark empath meet, they may immediately try to bring each other down through passive-aggressive means.
What is a dark soul personality? ›The term dark personalities refer to a set of socially aversive traits (such as spitefulness, greed, sadism, narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism) in the subclinical range. First coined by Paulhus and Williams, it has attracted an exponential increase of empirical attention in recent years. Much of ...
What are the dark personality traits? ›The Dark Triad personality traits – narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism – can be toxic and damaging in the workplace. But be aware that someone exhibiting these traits may initially be a high achiever and potentially charming, conscientious and achievement-oriented.
How does alcohol affect empaths? ›The current results suggest that alcohol consumption acutely reduces empathic accuracy for positive emotions in men who do not drink hazardously, while empathic accuracy for negative emotions appears unaffected, as are men who drink hazardously.
Who attracts empaths? ›An curved arrow pointing right. Empaths and narcissists are often drawn to each other. This is because empaths have a lot of compassion and understanding to give, while narcissists thrive on someone worshipping them.
What is empathetic narcissism? ›Empathy can be taxing sometimes because it drains you to feel other person's emotions. But if they have the capability to do that, and make it all about themselves instead of genuinely sympathising with the person who is actually hurting, they are empathetic narcissist.
What is the insane personality type? ›
INTJ – Insanity
The mind is the ultimate playground of the INTJ personality type.
Which Types Ranked as the Least Happy? Sadly, INFPs ranked the lowest for happiness as well as the lowest for life-satisfaction. According to the third edition of the MBTI® Manual, these types also ranked second highest in dissatisfaction with their marriages and intimate relationships.
What is the most controlling personality type? ›Type C personalities tend to be quite controlling, both of themselves and others. They don't like things to get out of hand and may appear stoic because they don't really want themselves to display a lot of emotion.
What are the rarest types of empaths? ›Heyoka empath
Heyoka empaths are said to be the rarest and most powerful variety, acting as a spiritual mirror to those around them to assist their growth. The Heyoka's unorthodox approach to life makes others question their own preconceived notions of what's right and wrong, real and fantasy.
Dark empaths show emotions, while psychopaths lack them.
According to a 2014 study by Martens in Psychiatric Times, psychopathy is generally characterized by features such as an incapacity for love and a lack of remorse or shame. This is different from dark empaths who do show emotions no matter how fake they may seem.
What is the INFP personality type (The Empath)? People with an INFP personality type tend to be reserved, idealistic, and adaptable in their behavior. They are curious people, often lost in thought.
What is an example of toxic empathy? ›For example, feeling anxious for a friend when they're facing stress at work can be normal. However, if this anxiety keeps you from concentrating on the things you need to get done, it's considered toxic empathy. Another example is if you're the one all of your family members flock to for advice.
What's the strongest personality type? ›Of all the personality types, the ENFJ is often perceived as being the strongest "people person." They can forge friendships with all personality types, even with more introverted or reticent individuals.
What personality types are psychopaths? ›It is a subtype of antisocial personality, characterized by persistent, violent offending histories (often with a variety of offence types), lack of emotional warmth or any sense of empathy for others, and deceptive and predatory attitudes to others.
Which personality disorder is most likely to hold a grudge? ›People with paranoid personality disorder see threats all around them. They tend to hold grudges, dwelling to the point of obsession over past slights they've experienced. These tendencies keep them from forming lasting and close relationships as hostility and general distrust consume their emotional lives.
What is higher than a narcissist? ›
Intentional harm: Someone with sociopathy can be more calculating than someone with narcissism, and they may even feel happy when they cause pain to others.
What are the 7 symptoms of a sociopath? ›- Ignoring right and wrong.
- Telling lies to take advantage of others.
- Not being sensitive to or respectful of others.
- Using charm or wit to manipulate others for personal gain or pleasure.
- Having a sense of superiority and being extremely opinionated.
- Having problems with the law, including criminal behavior.
Malignant narcissism is a personality type that causes extreme narcissism, aggression, and, sometimes, abuse of others. A person may use manipulative means or violence to enhance their own sense of wellbeing.
Who do narcissists fear the most? ›Although narcissists act superior, entitled and boastful, underneath their larger-than-life facade lies their greatest fear: That they are ordinary. For narcissists, attention is like oxygen. Narcissists believe only special people get attention.
What type of narcissist is the smartest? ›Cerebral narcissists, also known as intellectual narcissists, are individuals who try to fulfill their narcissistic supply through their perceived intelligence. While intellectual narcissists are generally smart, they may present as if they are more educated than they really are.
What is a raging narcissist? ›Narcissistic rage is an outburst of intense anger or silence that can happen to someone with narcissistic personality disorder. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) happens when someone has an exaggerated or overly inflated sense of their own importance.
What are the signs of a dark empath? ›- 1) They use what you tell them against you. ...
- 3) They strip away all your personal power. ...
- 4) They only have cognitive empathy. ...
- 5) They emotionally manipulate you. ...
- 6) They spread rumors about you to get leverage. ...
- 7) They keep you down in order to get themselves up.
The key symptom of empath burnout, empath shutdown, and compassion fatigue is that you start to feel cynical or detached from the people and events around you. Your nervous system may be stuck in survival mode. These are the key signs: Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope.
Do empaths have trauma? ›Empaths and sensitive people often experience some level of post-traumatic stress.
What happens when an empath is overwhelmed? ›Strong personal boundaries are key for empaths. Feeling overwhelmed by emotions can lead you to avoid situations that put pressure on your empathetic resources. You might struggle to manage difficult feelings and withdraw from loved ones to better protect yourself.
Can empaths turn into narcissists? ›
Covert narcissists know exactly how to push an empath's buttons, and for a long time they succeed in doing so. But eventually, the empath's discerning mind recognizes this behaviour for what it is-passive-aggression. This is when the empath turns into the narcissist's narcissist.
Is a dark empath the same as a psychopath? ›Dark empaths show emotions, while psychopaths lack them.
According to a 2014 study by Martens in Psychiatric Times, psychopathy is generally characterized by features such as an incapacity for love and a lack of remorse or shame. This is different from dark empaths who do show emotions no matter how fake they may seem.
He shows us how to identify the four most common "dangerous personalities"—the Narcissist, the Predator, the Paranoid, and the Unstable Personality— and how to analyze the potential threat level.
What is the most unstable personality type? ›Borderline personality disorder (BPD), also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), is a personality disorder characterized by a long-term pattern of intense and unstable interpersonal relationships, distorted sense of self, and strong emotional reactions.
What are the three personality types to avoid? ›The Dark Triad is a phrase you're unlikely to have heard around the workplace, but it is one of the "buzzwords" in the world of psychology. It refers to three distinct but related personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy.
Can a dark empath love you? ›Dark empaths can be loving and give us the relationship goals we've always wanted. Yet, under the surface, their actions are designed to manipulate us — not so that we can have what we've always wanted but so that they can achieve their own ends.
What personality type are villains? ›The most popular personality types for villains are INTJs and ENTJs. INTJ and ENTJ villains are masterminds who are always one step ahead. They are intelligent and logical, but they also have a dark side. They are often the leaders of villainous organizations and are always seeking to control others.
Which personality type is most likely to have ADHD? ›A recent review of findings on ADHD and FFM personality suggests that, in general, ADHD has associations with the FFM traits of Neuroticism (positive), Agreeableness (negative) and Conscientiousness (negative).
Which personality type is most likely to be autistic? ›- Laid-back.
- Less goal-oriented.
- Less driven by success.
- More likely to engage in antisocial behaviour.
No noise, bright lights, phone calls, texts, emails, internet, television, or conversations. It's sometimes important to just feel your own energy without anyone else around. You are being your own best friend, which is a way to nurture yourself. By decreasing external stimulation, it's also easier to clear negativity.