Are you wondering if your partner might have a pattern of narcissistic behavior? Identifying certain signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder will help you better understand the dynamics of your relationship, regain your well-being, and make healthier decisions.
In this article we will tell you what the most common signs of this disorder are and some tools to help you know what to do if you have a narcissistic partner. Keep reading!
The word “narcissism” comes from Greek mythology and refers to a deep love for oneself. In psychology, it is defined as a pattern of behavior characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.
Below, we show you some common signs that people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder present.
Idealization and devaluation: Initially they idealize their partner, shower them with praise and gifts, but then they may devalue and constantly criticize them.
Constant need for attention: They always seek to be the center of attention and may feel uncomfortable if others receive praise or recognition.
Sense of superiority: They believe they are better than others and have the right to special treatment.
Lack of empathy: They have a hard time putting themselves in other people’s shoes and are usually indifferent to their feelings and needs.
Handling: They use manipulative tactics to get what they want. They may resort to blaming, gaslighting (making the other person doubt their own perception of reality) or emotional blackmail.
Difficulty accepting criticism: They do not tolerate being told they are wrong and may react defensively or aggressively.
Envy: They feel uncomfortable when others are successful and may try to sabotage their achievements.
Control: They seek to control their partners and the people around them, limiting their autonomy and making decisions for them.
Lies and exaggerations: They may lie or exaggerate their achievements to impress others.
Inability to recognize your mistakes: They always find justifications for their actions and regularly do not take responsibility for their mistakes.
Perception of grandiosity: They have an exaggerated view of their capabilities and abilities.
Envy of others’ achievements: They feel threatened by the success of others and may try to belittle it.
Excessive demands: They expect others to meet their expectations no matter how unreasonable they may be.
Lack of limits: They do not respect the personal boundaries of others and may invade their physical and emotional space.
Lack of reciprocity: After the initial stage of trying to make you fall in love with you, they are not willing to give as much as they receive in the relationship.
History of unstable relationships: They often have difficulty maintaining long-term relationships due to their behavioral pattern.
It is important to remember that not everyone who displays some of these traits necessarily has a narcissistic disorder. However, if you observe several of these behaviors in your partner, it may be helpful to seek professional guidance:
How to manage your relationship with your narcissistic partner?
Realizing that you are in a relationship with a narcissistic person is not a simple process. This knowledge awakens a large number of emotions and it is not easy (nor advisable) to deal with them alone.
Below, we share with you some guidelines that can help you cope with the situation:
Avoid blaming yourself
You may feel alone in this, but you are not. Many people find themselves in relationships with narcissistic partners and feel confused and overwhelmed. The first thing you should do is avoid putting the blame on yourself. Narcissists are experts at manipulation and can make you feel responsible for their actions. Remember that you are not the cause of their behavior.
Find out about the topic
Learning about narcissism will help you better understand the dynamics of your relationship and recognize the manipulative tactics your partner uses. This will allow you to set clearer boundaries and protect yourself.
You may be interested: “Non-pathological narcissism: what it is, how it affects us and signs to detect it”
Set clear boundaries
Communicate your needs and emotions transparently and assertively avoiding blaming or attacking the other. If your partner yells at you, insults you, or threatens you, let him or her know that you will not tolerate that behavior. Set limits on the time you spend with her and the activities you do together.
Make space for those activities, hobbies or plans that make you feel in your element. Remember to get enough sleep, eat healthy, and exercise regularly. And please! reconnect with the people you love and who support you. If necessary, go to psychological therapy to put your mental health first. In this sense, remember that at Psychologist Plus we can help you.
Think about the possibility of taking individual therapy
Remember that, in these situations, people suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder may lack awareness of the need to change or tend to abandon therapy early.
There is still a debate about whether psychotherapy is effective for narcissistic personality disorder, since some experts believe that no significant changes are observed and that the person can take advantage of the acquired tools to manipulate others.
On the other hand, there are those who maintain that it is feasible to carry out successful treatment, even when it may be challenging. In any case, the most important thing is that you focus on your own well-being first.
Consider ending the relationship
If the situation becomes unmanageable and you feel a significant impact on your emotional well-being, it may be worth considering the idea of ​​ending the relationship. Many times, the best way to take care of yourself is to distance yourself from someone who hurts you.
