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7 Traits Of A Dark Empath – The Most Dangerous Personality Type

7 Traits Of A Dark Empath - The Most Dangerous Personality Type

Most of us know about the two stand-out personality types that seem at complete odds with each other. On the one hand, we have the caring and empathetic friend; on the other, the toxic manipulator.

What is a dark empath?

Empaths easily feel others’ emotions and are known for experiencing overwhelm in the face of intense intimacy, criticism, or stimulation. In contrast, toxic archetypes often possess the dark triad of traits. Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy.

They have an inflated sense of superiority and entitlement, exploit and manipulate others, and are often seen as cold-hearted cynics. Since these two characters appear to be total opposites, it may be surprising to hear that there are people who fall into both categories. These people are classified as dark empaths.

Emerging studies suggest that as much as (1/5) of the general population may be considered dark empaths. However, we’ll need more research to confirm those startling statistics.

What’s fascinating about dark empaths is that they are kind and compassionate and capable of emotional connection but they are more often perceived as cold, since traits from the dark triad bubble to the surface.

Let’s see if you know anyone who could be considered a dark empath. Here are seven key traits that characterize this personality type.

1 – Open Behavior

Dark empaths are characterized by more extroverted, dynamic behaviors of high openness. They generally have exceptional social skills, and you might find them explaining their perspective or expressing their inner thoughts with ease.

Although they can be gentle and open-minded, dark empaths are NOT pushovers. The opposite is usually true. One key difference between an empath and a dark empath is that dark empaths experience stronger cognitive empathy, allowing them to exploit vulnerability instead of encouraging connection.

Basically, if they have a chance to manipulate someone, they will generally take it, as exploitation is much easier for those who can naturally understand others’ emotional states.

Now, it’s important to acknowledge that this is a common trait, and not all extroverts are dark empaths. So don’t mark your sociable friends with red flags just yet. A person needs to have at least three or four of these traits to be considered a dark empath.

 2 – Narcissistic And Neurotic Tendencies

Some dark empaths are clearly narcissists, while others hide their narcissism deep down. Either way, this personality trait is extremely vulnerable to their self-centered nature.

You can tell when someone is a victim of their own narcissism when they take things too personally. Criticism and negativity directed toward them often cause pain, and they can also be described as rejection-sensitive. The word NO can cut like a knife.

For the dark empath, pride is essential for survival, and they might protect it with ignorance or a superiority complex. While it’s unlikely for them to lash out with violence, passive aggression comes easily.

People with this personality type also tend to possess neurotic tendencies and experience anxiety, depression, or phobias. These marked states of emotional ups and downs are often the result of unprocessed emotional pain and trauma.

Written by Interesting Psychology Team

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