Ten Signs You’re Dating A Narcissist
Maybe there are some signs in your relationship that are making you feel uncomfortable. However, you just can’t figure out what exactly is bothering you. If your partner talks too much about themselves and their problems and projects an idealized image of themselves, then you may be in a relationship with a narcissist. In this article, we share some of the warning signs.
Narcissistic personality disorder
According to psychologist Stephen Johnson, a narcissist is someone who has buried their true self-expression in response to past damage and replaced it with a highly developed, compensatory false ego.
Therefore, the traditional image of the narcissist in love with himself is not the image that corresponds to the real narcissist. On the contrary, a narcissist is not in love with himself.
Instead, he is in love with the idealized image he has created of himself. In fact, narcissists are severely damaged, have low self-esteem, and hide beneath their idealized selves instead of facing reality.
It is not easy to deal with a narcissist. Their need to feel superior can even disparage them and make them undervalue others.
Below, we’ll share some of the typical narcissist behaviors and what to do about them… especially if you’re in a relationship with a narcissist.
Signs You’re Dating a Narcissist
1. Their conversations feel like endless monologues
Conversation with a narcissist can be long-winded, a frustrating experience. This is because in reality a narcissist does not ‘convers’ but has an endless and boring monologue. They never have dialogues, because there is no exchange of ideas and opinions.
Even if you try to speak, they won’t allow it. They’ll just interrupt you with words like “well,” “therefore,” or “but.” This is because narcissists think they know everything. If you give your opinion, they will ignore you or correct you.
For this reason, it’s normal to feel frustrated after trying to have a conversation with a narcissist.
2. All conversations revolve around them
The topic of conversation always returns to itself. Even in conversations with more people, a narcissist will always try to bring the conversation back to themselves or an object, or person, they glorify or desire. For this reason, narcissists are people who constantly interrupt you and speak without respecting others.
In addition, not only do they not listen to others, they simply ignore them and monopolize every meeting. For this reason, it makes sense to feel small and undervalued if your partner is a narcissist.
3. They love to break the rules
A narcissist needs to feel superior and different. For this reason, it is common for narcissists to like to break the rules. This can include, for example, not respecting traffic rules, taking things home from the office, and much more.
These actions make them feel above the law, rules and society. They so feel that they are superior and think they can get away with anything.
4. You’re in a relationship with a narcissist if your partner doesn’t respect your boundaries
A narcissist only cares about his own needs and does not respect those of others. Because they feel superior, you are always below them. For this reason, narcissists do not respect or meet their partner’s needs. Their only priority is themselves.
Have you ever lent them money that they never gave you back? Do they undermine your feelings or achievements? Do they discourage you from having healthy time and space for yourself? If so, you may be in a relationship with a narcissist.
5. When you are in a relationship with a narcissist, they project a false image of themselves
This is the basic characteristic of a narcissist. For example, they may feel that they have to spend a lot of time dressing up because they have to impress others. They also often compliment themselves in front of others and say things like “Look how good this looks on me” or “ I’m so special.”
They think they have to make others believe they are worth admiring them. In reality, however, they are very insecure people with low self-esteem.
6. They believe they should be the center of your world
Not only are your needs less important, but a narcissist expects you to meet their needs rather than yours. A narcissist believes that they are the most important partner in the relationship and therefore they will demand that you always pay attention to them regardless of your needs and obligations.
7. They were charming at first
They were charming when they tried to win you over. You found him or her charismatic, persuasive, charming and thoughtful. However, as the relationship progressed and the interest in conquering you faded, something didn’t feel right.
The narcissist has to be the best at everything. So they also have to be a perfectionist. Once they get bored with the “game”, things change.
8. They make it look like they are a hero or heroine
Because they feel superior, they build an idealized image of themselves. Often they present themselves as a hero or heroine, someone who is extremely good and superior to others. For this reason, they can honestly believe that you are nothing without them.
9. Some narcissists victimize themselves
A good way for people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder to gain attention is to victimize themselves. Thus, they will lead you to forget your own needs and focus on theirs. This has been their goal from the start.
This can also happen at any time. A narcissist can make you feel guilty about how you treat them if you don’t treat them the way they want them to.
10. They are manipulative
For narcissists, other people are nothing more than a means of meeting their needs. For example, they may choose a partner who is physically beautiful and wealthy just to show off or make sure their needs are met.
What should you do if you are in a relationship with a narcissist?
If you want things to change, you have to be more assertive. That’s why you should:
Recognize that they need help
If you want to stay in the relationship, you need to understand that deep down narcissists are insecure people with low self-esteem.
Encouraging them to go to therapy
Narcissistic personality disorder is a condition that can seriously damage a person’s quality of life, not to mention those around them.
Good psychological therapy is the best way to help them repair the wounds that led to the condition and therefore treat or prevent it from causing further problems.
Go to therapy yourself if you are in a relationship with a narcissist
In addition to encouraging your partner to seek therapy, you should also seek help yourself if this is a relationship you want to maintain. In therapy, you can learn how to take better care of yourself in your relationship.
Show them that you are bothered by their behavior
You need to make them see what annoys you, such as not being able to have a conversation with them, the fact that they always prioritize their needs over yours, and so on. Tell them that you are important too and that you have your own needs and wants.
Stay positive
Even if you explain to them that you are important too, make sure you don’t let their behavior get under your skin. Letting them know that you’re really angry can inadvertently reaffirm their superiority. Instead, you should explain these things calmly and set appropriate boundaries.
Stay focused when in a relationship with a narcissist
While narcissists try to show that their goals are more important, remember that you also have your own goals. Don’t get carried away and don’t forget that you also have your own personality, needs, goals and dreams.
Do you recognize some of these signals? If so, take action now! It doesn’t matter if you break up because it makes you feel bad or decide to stay in the relationship, remember that you are just as important as your partner.