Are you experiencing physical or emotional abuse by your partner? Are you unsure if what you are experiencing is normal for the relationship? Narcissistic personality disorder can be toxic. Particularly when your romantic partner holds the power of manipulation and hides their true self. Identify the toxic signs of narcissistic personality disorder, stop the cycle of abuse, and seek help now.
Lacking Empathy
A healthy relationship requires caring about each other’s wellbeing. A narcissistic partner will not make you feel cared for, leaving you sad and lonely in return. They view people as simply objects who cater to their needs all the time. While this behavior may be hurtful at times, it can also be oblivious in that your partner does not think of how their behavior will affect others. If you don’t address it, your partner will continue on, only thinking of their needs.
A Constant Need for Admiration
One compliment once in a while is never enough for someone with a narcissistic personality disorder. They need to feed their ego by being showered with admiration and compliments from those around them. This can make the relationship one-sided in that your partner will be the one experiencing all the love, but you will not get any in return. You will receive more back-handed compliments such as “I didn’t expect you to get the job- congratulations!” If there is ever anything that interrupts that shower of affection, your partner will see that as an act of betrayal.
A Master Manipulator
A powerful weapon for those with a narcissistic personality disorder is emotional manipulation. They know exactly what to say or do to ensure you are at your most vulnerable. Once your partner gets to know you, after a while, he or she can easily push your buttons. Making false promises, emotional blackmail, and gaslighting are all components of a manipulator. You may feel inclined to stay home from work, engage in sexual acts, or spend money on your partner as they use their tricks on you. At the end of the day, you may be left feeling low self-esteem, shame, guilt, anxiety, and confusion about what to do.
Lacking Friends
People who are narcissistic are more prone to lead lonely lives. They either have friends they feel superior to or seek out those who are smarter, attractive, and more successful to boost their own reputation. A narcissist can also be friends with someone superior for the purpose of trying to destroy their reputation. Your partner might also push others away and make you feel wrong about spending alone time with your friends.
Sense of Self-Importance
A common quality in narcissistic partners is their unrealistic sense of self. They only associate with people who are “special like them” and want life on a silver platter. Your partner may think that they are better than everyone else, even when they have done nothing to earn it. They often lie or exaggerate about their achievements.
For example, they embellish (“Just when we were seconds away from the final buzzer, I threw the ball in the hoop and won the game for everyone”) when really it was a team effort. Your partner will always make sure they alone are the star of the show.
It is important to remember that, above all, a narcissist’s personality won’t change, no matter how much you desire it. They will only get better at their tricks if you allow them to draw you in. Seeing a therapist will help you learn more about your self-worth and what you deserve in a loving partner.
Deciding how to handle a difficult relationship takes care, consideration, and support. Please read more about couples counseling and reach out soon for a consultation soon.
