Exploitation

Narcissists are able to exploit others for their own benefit because they do not care about other’s feelings, due to their intrinsic lack of empathy. Add to that their need to feel special and their sense of entitlement and you have a recipe for exploitation of others.

Work colleagues will do their jobs for them and have the credit stolen from them. Subordinates will be used shamelessly, and partners will do far more than their share of the domestic chores, parenting or earning a crust. The list of exploitative behaviours is endless, and empathic givers are prime targets.

If you are one such empathic giver, even if you break off your relationship with the narcissist expect them to continue to exploit you in whatever way they can. Narcissists feel that they own their victims - for life. They will believe that you still exist for their convenience and you will continue to receive orders and instructions from them, until you lay down some firm, new boundaries.