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Compassion is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, coupled with a genuine desire to alleviate their suffering or support their well-being. This involves proactive actions to help others and goes a step further than empathy, which only involves the first step of understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

The dark triad is often associated with a lack of empathy. Individuals with these traits tend to prioritize their needs and desires over others, showing a diminished capacity for empathy and compassion. But because of their natural charm, this red flag often goes unnoticed. 

Here are some ways to tell if someone lacks compassion:

How do they handle conversations?

One telling sign of a lack of compassion is the tendency to dominate conversations. People lacking empathy may consistently steer discussions back to their own experiences or concerns, leaving little room for others to share their thoughts and feelings. This self-centered communication style can create an imbalance in the relationship and signal a deficit in understanding and caring for others.

Do they respect boundaries?

Compassionate individuals are mindful of personal boundaries and respect the autonomy of others. On the other hand, those lacking compassion may frequently cross these boundaries without remorse. This could manifest in intrusive questions, disregarding personal space, or imposing their opinions and preferences on others. This kind of behavior reflects a lack of sensitivity to the feelings and needs of those around them.

Do they have a strong sense of entitlement?

Entitlement also correlates with a deficiency in compassion. Individuals with a strong sense of entitlement believe they deserve special treatment and may exploit others to fulfill their desires. This egocentric worldview leaves little room for considering the needs or emotions of others, creating an environment devoid of genuine compassion.

Does their charisma come with manipulation?

Ironically, most people lacking compassion may possess a charming and manipulative demeanor, a signature trait of the dark triad personalities. They might use their charisma to gain favor, but their actions may reveal a lack of genuine concern for others.