Part 7/9:
Lee's experience raises profound questions about whether narcissists can genuinely change and develop empathy. While Dr. Romney suggests that any growth seen in narcissists is often temporal, Lee believes in his potential for improvement. He describes self-awareness as a necessary foundation for change but acknowledges his cognitive empathy does not always translate to emotional understanding.
Lee articulates a nuanced view; he can intellectually grasp others’ feelings yet struggles to connect with those emotions on a deeper level. He recognizes the potential for growth, staving off the notion that he must bear the burdens of his narcissism indefinitely.