It is hard to identify narcissistic traits in your partner in the beginning stages of your relationship, but after some, you will be able to see some signs more clearly. People with narcissistic traits believe they are exceptional and different from others.
If your partner has narcissistic traits, you can see the most obvious signs in them, such as a lack of empathy, having no friends, and often gaslighting you. In this article, we will help you identify the most common narcissistic traits you will find in your partner.
Spotting Narcissistic Traits in Your Partner
Let’s check out some traits that people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) have. While you can easily identify some of their traits, you might need mental health professional services to find out all the traits of narcissism. Here are some of the most common narcissistic traits you can identify in a person.
You Sense You Are Being Controlled
One of the first traits that you will see is that you are being controlled throughout the relationship. You will not see this trait at first, but after some time, you will notice that your partner will try to control your life and tell you to do everything they want. People who are in this type of relationship forget what life was like before they were controlled and manipulated by their partner.
You Steer Clear of Talking
It may seem like every discussion with your partner turns into a disagreement. Even when you try to stay calm, their harsh words or actions still affect you. People with NPD always attempt to provoke their partner to get a reaction.
Their manipulative behavior allows them to have a satisfying feeling when they provoke their partner. You can simply ignore them and avoid a conversation that allows them to use their psychological tactics.
They Demand Special Attention
Narcissists always love special treatment and privileges. For example, they may want to get seated first at a restaurant, even if others are waiting. When you refuse this sense of entitlement, your partner might become angry and critical, or they can also react with narcissistic rage. Alternatively, they might retreat into silence and withdrawal.
They Thrive on Praise
We all love receiving compliments and praise, which is normal. However, this is different in the case of narcissists as they thrive on this external validation. Praise significantly boosts their ego and confirms their grandiose sense of self-importance.
If they continuously seek praise from you or others in public and rely on it, then they may be seeking validation.
They Obsess Over Trivial Things
Another thing you will see when dealing with a narcissist is that they place high importance on their looks, social standing, and attractiveness. They pour a lot of energy into their appearance, and they can quickly point out any flaws they see in you.
You might need to follow their ideals of flawlessness because they see you as a reflection of themselves. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that criticism within a relationship is never constructive and must not be accepted.
You See Past Their Smooth Talk
You can easily see past the smooth talk of your narcissistic partner. Your partner appears to be confident and charming and looks good on the surface, but this is just because of their ability to effectively conceal their true nature in public.
They have a talent for saying the right things at the right time, but once you two are alone everything changes. It will look like the switch is flipped, and you will now see a completely different person compared to the one everyone else sees.
Your Concerns Are Overlooked
One of the most noticeable signs of narcissistic personality disorder in your partner is that they put their own needs first. This often comes at the expense of your needs, your friends, or even your children if you have them.
They only love to do things that fulfill their interests, not yours or others. Here are some common concerns that may be overlooked:
- They assume that you will clean for them and take credit for your efforts.
- They desire sex when they want it but show less interest when you want it.
- They get upset when others treat your family better than their family.
- They show favoritism toward specific children in the family if they think it will reflect positively on them.
Understanding Narcissistic Traits in Your Partner and Therapy
Recognizing narcissistic traits in your partner can be challenging but essential for your well-being. Common signs include a lack of empathy, constant need for praise, controlling behavior, and obsession with their image.
Understanding these traits can help you protect yourself and make informed decisions about your relationship. This will also help you to create healthy relationships with your loved one.
Take the first step towards a brighter future together and embark on the transformative journey of marriage counseling. Our team of caring therapists is happy to offer support from our Huntsville, AL-based practice. You can start your therapy journey by following these steps:
- Contact Aspire Counseling
- Meet with a caring therapist
- Start creating a deeper connection with your partner
