Does a narcissist ever consciously recognize disturbing emotions like sadness when a disappointing event occurs or is the emotion pushed out of awareness as a method of self-protection?

Answer 1

If you know for sure this person was diagnosed under the label of "Narcissistic tendencies" then it's more apt this person will be upset that their life has been turned upside down and they don't want anyone sick around them and want to continue on with their every day life. To a narcissist when someone near them is ill it's an "inconvenience." Do they care? Absolutely! Narcissists show signs of not caring because it's part of the way they feel, but, inwardly they fall apart. Narcissists are actually big chickens and detest being ill themselves or being around ill people (sign of weakness) and it's "Get up, get going and you'll be OK." Believe it or not Narcissists are running so far ahead of their lives and it's because they can't handle standing still and dealing with anything that shows emotion and they are afraid they will slip up. Don't just clump Narcissists into this group. There are many people with different personalities that can be void of feelings and not have Narcissistic traits. People can build-up walls in their life because they've been hurt in the past, so they feel if they can survive it then why shouldn't you. Some people have had to be "the rock" in the family and have had to maintain a wall to hide their emotions in order to be that rock of confidence and understanding. Yes, it's self protection for most of us. Some of us will cry over someone being sad; being at funeral of someone you love; etc., and some people will stare straight ahead and it appears they are void of feeling.