This is my answer on quora to “why is it so hard to fool an empath.”

An empath feels energy and/or emotion from anything they read, any music they listen to, and above all every human interaction they’ve ever encountered. An empath has been through many experiences in life. Good and whole lot of bad. They have a heart that’s pure. When being involved in romantic relationships they’ve been hurt to the core. One of the most beautiful attributes of empathetic individuals is that with every new relationship they involve themselves in they go into them seeing the new person as a new individual and as a good person. The only problem is 9 times out 10 they become involved with a narcissist, accidentally of course. They will treat the new person (narcissist) exactly how they themselves would want to be treated. Being intentional in every thing they do, just to prove how good they are in hopes to be admired and deeply loved by this person they are putting their all in to. But a change in patterns, energy, and behavior from their person will trigger an empath that’s been through a similar cycle many times. When an empath knows they know and now the shift begins. It’s a battle they face themselves to make sure they never go through anything that hurt them as bad as it did before. Now their energy is focused on vindication. And when an empath realizes how valuable they won’t allow anyone or anything that seems creep to hurt them or humiliate them.

Iykyk… a bit lengthy but detailed.