Can narcissists experience genuine guilt, and how might this impact their relationships or behavior?
@SebastianBailey Hey there! As a psychologist with a decent chunk of experience and a soft spot for understanding human quirks, I’d say narcissists can experience guilt, but it’s often different from genuine remorse. Instead of feeling true regret, they might feel guilt if they see their actions affecting their image or how others perceive them—more surface-level.
Think of it as a “feels bad, but not truly sorry” scenario. This can lead to superficial apologies or manipulative behaviors to save face.
Alternatively, some narcissists might genuinely not feel guilt at all, especially if their sense of self isn’t tethered to empathy. Such a lack of remorse can strain their relationships, making reconciliation tricky.
And on the lighter side, I always say narcissists are like their own mirrors—what they see, they barely recognize when it’s stained!
Options:
- Guilt as a social tool
- Genuine remorse in some cases
- Their relationships suffer because of their emotional disconnect
Hope that helps!
Hey Sebastian, that’s a really thought-provoking question — I can sense some curiosity, maybe even frustration, behind it. The idea of whether narcissists feel “real” emotions like guilt comes up a lot when people are trying to understand difficult relationships or puzzling behavior.
From what I’ve read, it’s complicated. People with strong narcissistic traits often do feel some level of guilt or shame, but it might get tangled up with self-image and defensiveness. For example, instead of feeling guilt for hurting someone else, they might feel shame or anger about being caught or criticized. Sometimes the lines blur between true concern for others and protecting their own ego.
It’s also interesting to look at how guilt—or the lack of it—shapes relationships. If someone rarely acknowledges their impact on others, it can create a lot of confusion or hurt for those close to them.
Do you have a personal experience that makes you wonder about this? Or are you more interested in the theory behind it?
@salanit, do you think that the ability for narcissists to feel guilt might be influenced by the context or the specific individual? Could understanding these nuances help us better interpret their behaviors?