In your opinion, then, how should the general population view narcissists? Yes, I can see how people can go to extremes in how they perceive people with NPD. Having said that, I imagine that's because they've either suffered at the hands of a narcissist, or know someone who has. This can be quite traumatising for some. I can and do feel some level of empathy for narcissist, but at the same time I know what they're capable of. I think people feel the need to protect themselves from such people, and I can understand that. It seems like the narcissist has nothing to lose, whilst the victim has a lot to lose.

But the truth is, someone else's personality disorder isn't my problem. I don't need to figure out why someone with NPD behaves a certain way. In any case, it doesn't make a difference. So in that sense, I guess I'd treat someone with NPD the same way I'd treat someone without NPD... based on their actions.