Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by a constant need for attention, validation, and admiration while lack of empathy towards others.
Narcissistic individuals often have an inflated sense of self-importance, and they believe that they are superior to others. They can be charming and charismatic in social settings, which can make it difficult to recognize their behavior as destructive.
If you suspect that your partner may be a narcissist, you should be careful because a long-term relationship with them can be draining and stressful. Here are seven warning signs that your partner may have narcissistic tendencies:.
1. They Have An Over-Inflated Sense of Self-Importance
Narcissistic individuals often have an exaggerated sense of their own importance and believe that they are more intelligent, more attractive, or more successful than others.
They may present themselves as authority figures, and they demand respect and admiration from others. They can be boastful and arrogant, bragging about their achievements and belittling others.
2. They Lack Empathy
Narcissistic individuals are often unable to put themselves in other people’s shoes, so they have difficulty understanding others’ emotional needs and feelings.
They tend to be self-centered and selfish, which can result in them being cruel or insensitive towards others. They often see people as objects that exist for their own gratification.
3. They Crave Attention and Admiration
Narcissistic individuals have an insatiable need for attention and admiration. They may fish for compliments, seek out social situations where they can be the center of attention, or engage in attention-seeking behaviors.
They may also become angry or upset if they feel ignored or neglected.
4. They Manipulate Others
Narcissistic individuals often use manipulation tactics to control others. They may lie, exaggerate their achievements, or engage in emotional blackmail.
They may also be very skilled at gaslighting, which is a form of emotional abuse that involves denying the victim’s perceptions and making them question their sanity.
5. They Lack Boundaries
Narcissistic individuals often struggle to respect boundaries, and they may invade others’ personal space, pry into their lives, or make unreasonable demands. They may also become angry or upset if others set boundaries with them.
6. They Are Highly Sensitive to Criticism
Narcissistic individuals often have a fragile ego, so they can become extremely defensive or aggressive when criticized. They may react with rage, blame others, or become very withdrawn.
They may also project their own faults onto others and refuse to take responsibility for their behavior.
7. They Have Irrational Expectations
Narcissistic individuals may have unrealistic expectations of themselves or others. They may expect others to meet their every need and desire, regardless of the cost.
They may also expect others to think, act, or feel a certain way, and they can become very upset if their expectations are not met.
Conclusion
If you suspect that your partner may have narcissistic tendencies, it is important to seek professional help.
Narcissistic individuals can be very charming and charismatic, which can make it difficult to recognize their behavior as abusive or destructive. It is also important to realize that you cannot change a narcissistic person, and you should consider ending the relationship if their behavior is causing you emotional distress.