Narcissism defines a behavior where people are self-centered and focused on self-inflation. It’s a personality disorder in which people think extremely highly of themselves and don’t empathize with other people’s feelings and needs.
Narcissists have an excessive sense of self-importance and lack empathy for others. They prioritize themselves and don’t genuinely care for their partner’s feelings or needs. In a successful relationship, both partners should give and take, but narcissists focus solely on what they can gain, disregarding their partner’s worth and emotions.
Narcissism is a psychological disorder that’s not always easy to understand. It can show up as someone acting grandiose, selfish, and thinking they deserve special treatment. Sadly, it’s often hard to tell if someone is a narcissist until they’ve already caused you pain.
To help you recognize a narcissist before they can harm you, here are 5 common ways narcissists behave in relationships that you should be aware of.
Pattern 1: They Are Very Charismatic and Charming
Narcissists often seem really charming and confident when you first meet them. This can make them attractive to people. But you should know that narcissists are mostly focused on getting what they want, and they might not care about others’ feelings.
Pattern 2: They Have Fluctuating Self-Esteem
A narcissist might look like they have lots of self-confidence, but inside, they often feel pretty bad about themselves. That’s why they always want other people to tell them how great they are. If their partner gets attention from someone else or doesn’t praise them enough, they can get jealous or possessive.
Pattern 3: They Play Mind Games
Narcissists like to mess with their partner’s mind to make them do what they want. They might use tricks like making their partner feel guilty or making them doubt their own memory or sanity. This way, the partner ends up doing whatever the narcissist wants, no questions asked.
Pattern 4: They Are Very Selfish
Narcissists are extremely selfish and care more about themselves than anyone else, even their partners. They often treat others like they’re not important and use them for their own benefit. They don’t feel bad about taking advantage of people.
Pattern 5: They Are Controlling and Jealous
Narcissists often act like they want to control everything in their partner’s life. They might try to tell them what to wear or how to behave, even in public. Also, because they don’t feel good about themselves deep down, they can get very jealous, thinking others are a threat, even when they’re not.
Have you encountered any of these love patterns in your relationships? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below.
