this post was submitted on 19 Dec 2025
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me_irl
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Psychopaths are more than capable of caring about people, but they are only care about people who benefit them in some way. That's why they're nice to their loved ones- the there are plenty of benefits that come from having a family, and, believe it or not, it's not just shallow manipulation...they actually do feel for them. I've always been nice to my family and friends, and I don't plan on changing that.
I heard from a diagnosed narcissist that its because they see those people as extensions of themselves basically. Like they don't care for you as an individual, but as a part of themself.
But take all that with a grain of salt
Isn't that a reason why, like....most people care about other people? You're much more likely to like someone who has a lot of shit in common with you, so arguably you would see that person as an extension of yourself as well.
Perhaps, but also how much of that love depends on the 'loved ones' acting in a way that is wanted/expected vs loving them for who they are? How many of these people see their love as transactional, like withdrawing college funding if the kid declares an undesired major?
Loving someone as an extension of yourself is an entirely different thing for a narcissist.