If you recognize these behaviors, you’re in a relationship with a narcissist

If your partner always talks about themselves, you might think they’re just full of self-love. If they always put you down, you might think they’re just too critical.

But what if I told you, it’s more than that. It could be a sign of something darker lurking beneath their charming facade.

Yes, we’re talking about narcissism.

Recognizing a narcissist isn’t always straightforward. But some signs can give them away. And that’s what we’re here to discuss today.

Buckle up, because it’s time to get real about the red flags in your relationship.

1) Constant need for admiration

Narcissists crave the spotlight like a moth to flame.

Their need for admiration is insatiable. They’re always on the lookout for compliments and praise. And when they don’t receive them? Well, let’s just say it’s not a pretty sight.

But it’s not just about craving compliments. They also need to be the best, the most loved, the most successful – you get the idea. It’s all about them, all the time.

Narcissists also have a knack for turning conversations back to themselves. They have this uncanny ability to make everything about them, even if it’s your moment to shine.

In a relationship with a narcissist, you’ll often find yourself in their shadow, your accomplishments and feelings sidelined to make room for their grandiose self-image.

If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with a narcissist.

2) Lack of empathy

The thing about narcissists is, they’re not great at understanding other people’s feelings.

I remember a time when I was going through a rough patch at work. I was constantly stressed, losing sleep and overall, just feeling low.

I tried to confide in my partner, hoping for some comfort or understanding. But instead of lending an ear, they dismissed my concerns outright.

They even went as far as making it about themselves, saying things like “You think you have it bad? You should see what I have to deal with.”

In that moment, I felt so alone. My feelings were brushed aside, my struggles belittled. It felt like I was talking to a wall.

Narcissists often lack empathy. They struggle to put themselves in others’ shoes or validate their feelings. If your partner consistently disregards your feelings or makes you feel like you’re overreacting, that’s a red flag.

3) Sense of entitlement

Narcissists believe they’re deserving of special treatment. They think that the world owes them something and they’re not shy about expressing it.

They demand your time, energy, and attention, regardless of your own needs and wants. They expect you to bend over backwards for them, and if you don’t, they’re quick to play the victim card.

The thing is, this sense of entitlement is so ingrained in their psyche that they may not even realize they’re doing it. It’s just a part of who they are.

So if your partner exhibits a strong sense of entitlement, it might be a sign that you’re dealing with a narcissist.

4) Manipulative behavior

Narcissists are masters of manipulation. They know exactly what to say and do to make others bend to their will.

They often use guilt, blame, and gaslighting to control the people around them. They’ll twist the truth, deny reality, and make you question your own memory just to avoid taking responsibility for their actions.

For example, they might say something hurtful and when you express your hurt, they’ll deny ever saying it. Or worse, they’ll blame you for being overly sensitive.

This manipulation is a tool they use to maintain their superiority and control in the relationship.

If you often find yourself second-guessing your own experiences or feeling guilty for things that aren’t your fault, that’s a classic sign of being in a relationship with a narcissist.

5) Frequent bouts of jealousy

Here’s something I’ve noticed: narcissists can be incredibly jealous. And I don’t just mean the occasional twinge of envy. I mean full-blown, all-consuming jealousy.

I used to have a partner who couldn’t stand it if I spent time with anyone else – be it friends, family, or even colleagues. They always needed to be the center of my attention.

And it wasn’t just about time spent either. If I achieved something or received any form of recognition, they’d somehow twist it into a threat to our relationship. It’s as if my success somehow diminished their self-worth.

I’ve come to learn that this jealousy comes from their deep-seated insecurity and their fear of not being the absolute best.

If your partner frequently gets jealous or threatened by your accomplishments or relationships, you might be dealing with a narcissist.

6) Surprising vulnerability

We often associate narcissism with a larger-than-life confidence. But underneath that tough exterior, narcissists are often surprisingly fragile.

They project an image of perfection to hide their deep-seated insecurities. They’re terrified of criticism and will go to great lengths to avoid it.

While they may seem confident on the outside, any slight hint of criticism or rejection can send them spiraling into self-doubt. They’re quick to react defensively or even lash out in anger.

The irony is, while they’re quick to belittle others, they themselves can’t handle a taste of their own medicine.

So if your partner takes criticism badly or seems overly sensitive to rejection, it could be a sign of their narcissism.

7) Frequent lies and exaggerations

Narcissists have a knack for bending the truth. They’re known to lie and exaggerate to make themselves look better or to gain sympathy.

They’ll inflate their achievements, downplay their mistakes, and twist facts to fit their narrative. It’s all part of their grandiose self-image.

But it’s not just about self-promotion. They also use lies as a form of manipulation, to control others and maintain their superiority.

At times, they might even believe their own lies, further blurring the line between reality and their distorted perception of it.

If your partner frequently lies or exaggerates, and it goes beyond simple white lies or harmless embellishments, it could be indicative of narcissism.

8) Lack of remorse

Perhaps the most telling trait of a narcissist is their lack of genuine remorse.

When they hurt others, they rarely feel genuine guilt or regret. They’re more likely to justify their actions or blame the victim than to admit their mistakes and apologize.

They see themselves as infallible and above reproach. They believe that they’re always right and everyone else is wrong, which makes it nearly impossible for them to see the harm they cause.

If your partner displays a consistent lack of remorse or refuses to take responsibility for their actions, it’s a glaring sign of narcissistic behavior.

Closing thoughts

Now that we’ve navigated through these telltale signs, it’s important to remember that recognizing a narcissist is not about labeling or demonizing them.

It’s about understanding their behavior patterns for what they are and making informed decisions for your own peace and well-being.

Being in a relationship with a narcissist can be challenging, to say the least. It can leave you feeling drained, invalidated, and confused. But recognizing these behaviors is the first step towards reclaiming your power.

Remember, everyone deserves respect, empathy, and kindness in their relationships. If you’re not getting that, it might be time to reflect on whether this relationship serves your best interests.

If you’ve identified these behaviors in your relationship, it could be time to teach your partner a new lesson or consider if it’s time to move forward without them.

Take care of yourself. You’re worth it.