Signs of narcissism are often hard to spot in the beginning stages of a relationship, but over time, these signs can be seen more clearly.
This article will help you identify if your partner exhibits any of the tell-tale signs of narcissism.
Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Let's take a look at some behaviors that someone with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may present. While many of the following behaviors
can be indicative of narcissistic personality disorder, only a mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis.
You Don't Feel Connected
Your partner talks with you when it is convenient. However, they have never actually asked what your plans are for the future or how you can work together to build the life you want.
They constantly brag about themselves and their accomplishments and rarely show interest or ask questions about anything going on in your life. Their happiness comes from external sources such as prestige at work and money. You wonder if they are even capable of feeling romantic love or emotional connection.
You Feel Manipulated
Your spouse will make subtle threats throughout the relationship. They may not be direct with their words, but you'll get a sense that if you don't do something for them or give in to what they want, bad things will happen. Sometimes, it's easier just to go along with what they want even if you don't really agree with it. This is a way of controlling and manipulating their partners to get what they want.
Often, people in this kind of relationship forget what life was like before the manipulation started.
You Don't Feel Good Enough
You have feelings of inadequacy that don't match what you've accomplished in your life. Your spouse tends to put you down or make negative comments about the things that you do. You've lost touch with the things that you used to enjoy doing because you don't have time for them anymore.
Maybe you're always tired and it's difficult to get out of bed in the morning. You've begun hiding things from family or friends or feel ashamed about what goes on in your life. You lie to cover up the things that your spouse does or does not do.
You're Constantly Being Gaslighted
When someone constantly denies things that you know to be true, they are gaslighting you. This is often seen in abusive or controlling relationships and is a common tactic among narcissists.
For example, your spouse may make a comment like "You just don't remember right" about something that you know happened. They will gaslight you into believing that certain things never happened or that they did things because of something you did or said first.
Your spouse may tell lies about your behavior and try to twist reality so that it fits their version of events rather than what really happened. You might begin second-guessing yourself and feel like you're going crazy.
If your spouse does this in front of family members and friends, those people may start to think the problem is with you instead of your partner. It can be difficult for others to realize what happens behind closed doors because your spouse appears so charming on the surface.
You Avoid Conversations
It may seem as though every conversation with your spouse ends in an argument no matter how hard you try to stay calm and not get upset by what they say or do. The narcissist constantly tries to push your buttons to get you to react; controlling others' emotions gives them a sense of satisfaction.
Often, it's easier to avoid having a conversation entirely than to deal with the constant mind games.
You Feel Responsible for Everything
Narcissists think that everything is always someone else's fault, including the things that they do wrong. You won't get an apology from a narcissistic person. Narcissists don't see other people as being on equal footing with them so it makes sense why apologizing would be out of the question.
Your narcissistic spouse likely never takes responsibility for their actions and always blames you. If something goes wrong, it is your fault even if they were the one to blame.
Everything bad that happens in their life is somehow because of you, which leaves you feeling like there's nothing that you can do right.
You're Walking on Eggshells
Do you feel as though you're walking on eggshells because you never know when your spouse is going to be in one of their moods?
One minute everything seems fine, but then something minor happens and they go into a rage? Even a small thing like someone at work being recognized for an accomplishment while your spouse feels overlooked can cause a narcissist to throw a fit. This is known as narcissistic rage.
You probably feel like you've lost yourself because now all of your decisions are based on what will keep your narcissistic spouse happy.
You See Through the Charm
On the surface, everyone thinks your spouse is charming. However, it's only because they are so great at hiding their true colors when in public. They say all the right things and people love them, but the second that you're alone with your partner everything changes.
The switch flips and suddenly you're dealing with a completely different person than who everyone else sees on the outside.
You Feel Criticized Constantly
Your spouse is excessively critical of your appearance. They might make comments about your weight, clothes, or choice of hairstyle. They make fun of you or put you down, often behind your back but often to your face.
They make fun of others, especially people they perceive as "lesser" than them (i.e., someone less attractive or wealthy). In general, they are highly critical of everyone.
Your Needs Are Ignored
Your spouse only thinks about their own needs and how things affect them; never yours or anyone else's, including the kids' if you have a family. They will only do things that benefit them and not you or your relationship together.
Below are some examples of things your spouse might do:
Wanting to have sex when they want it, but not so much when you want it
Expecting you to pick up after them
Taking credit for your hard work
Getting upset when others treat their family better than yours
Favoring certain children over others in the family if they feel one child makes them look better
You feel unloved
When you first got together, you felt like the most amazing person in the world. However, as time went on and problems arose, your partner began to devalue and ignore you. This is a red flag that they're not who they made themselves out to be in the first place.
You likely were receiving love bombs in the beginning to get you hooked, but once you were married, those love bombs went away.
You Get the Silent Treatment
Your partner uses the silent treatment as a power play to control you. They'll withhold affection and
ignore your existence until they feel like being nice again, which is usually only when it will benefit them in some way (like getting what they want).
You might think that this behavior is normal or even "expected" of people who are married. However, the truth is that the silent treatment isn't part of a healthy, loving, and respectful relationship.
You're Stuck Financially
If there's one thing that narcissists know how to do well, it's to take advantage of their spouses financially. You might be paying for everything while your spouse can't hold down a job, or their job might be bringing in a lot of income but they're not letting you see any of it.
If this is the case, chances are that your spouse has been spending every last cent on themselves and isn't planning to share with you now or in the future.
You Can't Rely on Your Spouse
When they make promises, you never know if they're going to keep them. Narcissists are notorious for making promises and then breaking them when it's convenient. You don't feel as though you have a partner you can rely on, and you find yourself having to do everything yourself.
You've Asked, They Won't Change
Narcissists aren't willing to change because this would mean admitting something is wrong within themselves—and narcissists never admit such things. On the other hand, some will proudly admit that they are narcissists, but claim that everyone else is the problem.
If your spouse isn't willing to change their behavior this could be a sign that you're married to a narcissist.
In the end, if your partner is emotionally abusive and unwilling to change their behavior, it's time for you to reconsider the relationship. Everyone has the potential to be self-centered from time to time; however, the narcissist seems incapable of operating in any other manner. If you feel like your spouse is a narcissist, it may be helpful to seek therapy or outside support. Being in a relationship with a narcissist can have significant and long-lasting effects on your mental health and it's important to have a support system in place if you choose to leave the marriage.
By ARLIN CUNCIC