Empath–Narcissist Interaction Cycle (Narcissist Stays)

This Mermaid state diagram models the interaction sequence in relationships involving an empath and a narcissist, specifically focusing on the path where the narcissist stays in the relationship and adjusts to the empath's boundaries.

Stages

1. Idealization → charm and intense validation
2. Devaluation → criticism and coldness as novelty fades
3. Control / Gaslighting → manipulation to retain dominance
4. Empath Awakens → pattern recognition and clarity
5. Set Boundaries → establishing firm, non-negotiable limits
6. Enforce Boundaries → applying consequences when boundaries are violated
7. Stable Relationship → ongoing respect for boundaries and healthy coexistence

Key Characteristics

• The empath recognizes the manipulation pattern and awakens to the reality of the situation
• The empath establishes and consistently enforces healthy boundaries
• The narcissist chooses to remain in the relationship and adapt to these limits
• The relationship stabilizes with the empath maintaining their integrity and the narcissist respecting the boundaries
• Ongoing boundary maintenance prevents regression back to manipulative behaviors

Additional Features

The diagram includes:

• Regression paths showing how manipulation might resurface, leading back to Control stage
• Maintenance loop between Stable and Enforce Boundaries for ongoing boundary check-ins
• Separation paths showing how an empath may still choose to exit at various stages

Run

Open index.html in a browser. The page loads diagram.mermaid and renders it with Mermaid.