The Narcissist and Borderline are both fundamentally missing a core sense of self. Underlying their relational pattern and dynamic is both of their early attachment wounds. The Narcissists need for withdrawal and the Borderlines emotional reactivity and fear of abandonment, intensifies as each worsens.

How does a narcissist act when hurt?

When theyre “hurt,” narcissists tend to lash out as their first line of defense. They may feel that cutting someone out or intentionally hurting them with words or violence can help them protect their persona.

Why do borderlines end up with narcissists?

The reason why these personality types are attracted to one another is they magnetise. Each one helps the other play out their individual drama by fulfilling their needs. In the case of the borderline sufferer, when they first encounter the narcissist, they see everything they are not and cannot do.

Is narcissism a symptom of borderline personality disorder?

Narcissistic problems are common in BPD and can present in multiple ways, including with a prominence of inferiority and fragility notably different from NPD described in the DSM-5. 2.

Can you have borderline and narcissism?

Nearly 40% of those with borderline personality disorder also have narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). A person can have one disorder and traits of the other as well.

Do narcissists attract other narcissists?

Although even narcissists are put off by negative self-centered qualities, research shows they are more tolerant of each other. K. Alex Burton et al. explain that the “narcissistic-tolerance theory” holds that due to perceived similarity, narcissists are more tolerant and fond of narcissistic peers.

What is the root cause of narcissism?

Although the cause of narcissistic personality disorder isnt known, some researchers think that in biologically vulnerable children, parenting styles that are overprotective or neglectful may have an impact. Genetics and neurobiology also may play a role in development of narcissistic personality disorder.

Can a narcissist ever change?

The reality is that narcissists are very resistant to change, so the true question you must ask yourself is whether you can live like this indefinitely. Focus on your own dreams. Instead of losing yourself in the narcissists delusions, focus on the things you want for yourself.