The darker dynamics of narcissism imply that one person in the relationship gives just about everything, and the other (the narcissist) just takes. If the relationship is reciprocal, compromise is effortless. The more challenging disappointments are the lack of empathy, the lack of connection, the lack of support.

In the case of narcissistic personality disorder, it is an inability to form deep connections with others, superficiality, and a complete lack of a basic and necessary human quality: empathy.

It is hard to engage in listening to another person with empathy if you are waiting for the spotlight to shine back on you.

Loud blasts of emotion and invective with little regard for how words and actions affect other people are the norm.