8 types of people narcissist love to push around and bully

Narcissists have a knack for finding people they can manipulate and bully.
It’s like they have a sixth sense for detecting particular personalities that they can exploit to their advantage.
But guess what? There are common traits among the people they tend to target. Traits that make them easy prey for narcissists.
In this article, we’re going to delve into the eight types of people that narcissists love to push around and bully.
And if you find yourself fitting into one of these categories, don’t worry – we’re going to talk about how you can protect yourself, too.
Here’s a sneak peek into the world of narcissists – the types they target and why. Let’s get started.
1) The people pleaser
Narcissists have a knack for sniffing out people who love to please.
These are the folks who go out of their way to make others happy, often at the expense of their own needs.
Why are these people such targets for narcissists? Simply put, it’s because they rarely say ‘no’.
Here’s the thing. People pleasers have a hard time setting boundaries.
They fret about disappointing others and often put others’ needs before their own.
This makes them prime targets for narcissists who thrive on taking advantage of others’ kindness.
But here’s the silver lining. If you’re a people pleaser, you can learn to set boundaries.
It’s not about becoming a ‘bad’ person – far from it. It’s about learning to balance your needs with those of others.
It’s okay to say ‘no’ sometimes. Especially when dealing with a narcissist.
2) The empath
Ah, the empath. I know this one all too well because, well, I am an empath.
We’re the type of people who feel things deeply, and we have an innate ability to tune into the emotional state of others.
For example, I remember a time when a close friend was going through a rough patch.
I found myself absorbing her emotions as if they were my own. It was draining, but it made me realise just how deeply I connect with others’ feelings.
Now, you might think that being an empath is a good thing – and it is, mostly. But it also makes us a perfect target for narcissists.
They’re drawn to our understanding nature and our tendency to give more than we take.
But here’s what I’ve learned: It’s okay to protect your energy.
You don’t have to shoulder everyone’s emotions. It’s not selfish – it’s self-preservation. And it can help keep narcissists at bay.
3) The selfless helper
Being a helper is a noble trait. These are the individuals who are always there to lend a hand, to offer support, and to make things easier for others.
Their altruistic nature often lands them on the narcissist’s radar.
Narcissists are drawn to these givers because they enjoy the constant attention and assistance.
People who are highly agreeable are more susceptible to being manipulated.
This can explain why our selfless helpers often find themselves entangled with narcissists.
But remember, being helpful doesn’t mean being a doormat.
It’s important to recognize when your kindness is being taken for granted and take steps to protect yourself.
4) The conflict avoider
Let’s talk about the conflict avoiders – individuals who would do almost anything to dodge an argument or a confrontation.
These people are often easy targets for narcissists. Why?
Because they are unlikely to challenge the narcissist’s behavior or stand up for themselves when things get tough.
But here’s the catch. Avoiding conflict doesn’t actually keep the peace. In fact, it often leads to more problems down the line.
If you find yourself always trying to avoid conflicts, it might be time to learn some assertiveness skills.
This doesn’t mean becoming aggressive or confrontational. It simply means standing up for yourself with respect and honesty.
5) The lonely heart
There’s a certain kind of sadness that comes with feeling lonely, a sense of isolation that can make even a room full of people feel empty.
Those who often feel this way, the lonely hearts, are prime targets for narcissists.
Narcissists know how to use their charm to fill that void, making them seem like the answer to all loneliness.
But here’s what’s really happening: Narcissists are simply using your loneliness to gain control.
They make you believe they’re the only ones who truly understand or care about you, making it difficult for you to leave when things turn toxic.
Remember, real connections are built on mutual respect and understanding, not manipulation.
You’re not alone in your loneliness, and it’s okay to reach out for help.
Seeking support from trusted friends or professionals can be the first step towards breaking free from a narcissistic relationship.
6) The perfectionist
Perfectionists, oh boy, do I understand this one. Always striving for the best, never settling for anything less than perfect.
Every task, every project, every interaction is a chance to excel.
But this drive for perfection can often attract narcissists. They see our pursuit of perfection as an opportunity to exploit us.
They know we will go above and beyond to meet their expectations, no matter how unreasonable.
I recall a time when I worked tirelessly on a project, only to have my efforts belittled and criticized by a narcissistic colleague.
It was exhausting, disheartening, but it taught me an important lesson.
Perfection is an impossible standard. It’s important to strive for excellence but remember that it’s okay not to be perfect.
And most importantly, your worth is not defined by someone else’s unattainable expectations.
7) The optimistic dreamer
Optimistic dreamers are full of hope and positivity. They see the best in people, always looking for the silver lining in every situation.
They believe that everyone has the potential to change and improve.
This optimism can sometimes blind them to the harsh realities of a narcissist’s behavior.
They might overlook the red flags, believing that the narcissist will change for the better.
But here’s a hard truth: While people can change, it’s not your responsibility to fix someone.
It’s crucial to recognize when your optimism is being exploited and take steps to protect yourself from toxic relationships.
Optimism is a beautiful trait, but it should never cost you your well-being.
8) The low self-esteem sufferer
Those grappling with low self-esteem often find themselves in the crosshairs of narcissists.
They might feel unworthy, flawed, or inadequate. And narcissists are quick to exploit these insecurities.
The most crucial thing to understand here is this: Your worth is not defined by a narcissist’s opinion of you.
You are not less. You are not inadequate. You are enough, just as you are.
Building self-esteem takes time and effort, but it’s an essential step towards protecting yourself from manipulation and bullying.
Surround yourself with positivity, seek professional help if needed, and most importantly, remember to love and value yourself.
Final thoughts: It’s about empowerment
Our journey through the different types of people narcissists often target has been enlightening, perhaps even a little confronting.
The common thread running through all these types is a sense of vulnerability, a quality that narcissists are adept at exploiting.
But here’s something truly empowering: Knowledge is power.
By understanding these patterns, we can better recognize when we’re being targeted and take steps to protect ourselves.
Remember, you’re not alone in this struggle. Professional help is available, and self-empowerment is possible.
Narcissistic behavior thrives in the shadows, but by bringing it into the light, we can begin to reclaim our power.
This isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about understanding your worth and standing up for yourself.
Because you matter, and no narcissist should be allowed to make you feel otherwise.