Love is blind, they say. But sometimes that blindness can lead to disastrous consequences, especially when it comes to loving a narcissistic partner.

Narcissists are not easy to identify because they can be charming, intelligent, and successful individuals, but they are also emotionally manipulative and abusive. Here are some tell-tale signs that you might be in a relationship with a narcissistic partner:.

1. Gaslighting

Narcissists often use gaslighting as a tool to manipulate their partners. Gaslighting is when someone makes you doubt your own sanity, memories, and perceptions.

For example, your partner might tell you that you are overreacting to something or that you are imagining things. Over time, constant gaslighting can make you question your own sanity, leading to low self-esteem and depression.

2. Lack of Empathy

Narcissists lack empathy, which means they cannot understand or feel other people’s emotions. They only care about themselves and their own needs.

If you are in a relationship with a narcissistic partner, you might feel neglected, ignored, and unimportant because your partner is only focused on themselves.

3. Love Bombing and Devaluation

Narcissists are experts at love bombing, which is when they shower their partner with love, attention, and affection at the beginning of the relationship.

However, once they feel they have gained control, they start to devalue and criticize their partner. They might insult you, belittle you, and make you feel worthless. This is a tactic that they use to assert their dominance and control in the relationship.

4. Blame Shifting

A narcissistic partner will never take responsibility for their own mistakes. Instead, they will blame you for everything that goes wrong in the relationship.

They might say things like “You made me do it” or “It’s all your fault.” They will never apologize or admit that they are wrong because it makes them feel vulnerable.

5. Controlling Behavior

Narcissistic partners are often controlling and manipulative. They want to be in charge of everything, including what you wear, who you talk to, and what you do. They might use guilt, fear, or intimidation to control you.

They might also isolate you from your friends and family so that they are the only person you have in your life.

6. Lack of Boundaries

When you are in a relationship with a narcissistic partner, it can feel like they have no respect for your boundaries. They might invade your personal space, read your texts or emails, or snoop through your belongings.

They might also pressure you into doing things that you are not comfortable with, like having sex or doing drugs.

7. High Expectations

A narcissistic partner will expect you to meet their every need and desire. They might be demanding and unreasonable, expecting you to be perfect all the time.

They will never appreciate what you do for them because they believe that you owe them everything.

8. Passive Aggressive Behavior

Narcissistic partners often use passive-aggressive behavior to manipulate their partners. They might give you the silent treatment, make sarcastic comments, or withhold affection to punish you for not doing what they want.

This behavior can be confusing and hurtful, and it can make you feel like you are walking on eggshells around them.

9. Idealization and Devaluation Cycles

A narcissistic partner will often go through cycles of idealization and devaluation. During the idealization phase, they will love you, cherish you, and make you feel like you are the most important person in their life.

However, once they feel they have control over you, they will start to devalue you, criticize you, and make you feel worthless. This cycle can happen over and over again, and it can be emotionally exhausting.

10. Lack of Respect

A narcissistic partner will never respect your feelings, needs, or opinions. They might ignore you, interrupt you, or talk over you. They might also belittle you or make you feel stupid.

They will never treat you as an equal because they believe they are superior to you.

If you are in a relationship with a narcissistic partner, it can be difficult to leave. Narcissists are experts at manipulation and control, and they might make you feel like you cannot survive without them.

However, it is important to remember that you deserve to be treated with respect and love. If you are experiencing any of these signs, it might be time to seek help and get out of the relationship before it becomes too late.