Dating can be hard enough as it is, but dating a narcissist can make things even more complicated. They often lack empathy for others and can be very manipulative. If you’re dating someone who is a narcissist, it’s important to know how to deal with them.
In this blog post, we will discuss narcissists, signs that you are dating a narcissist, some tips and advice on how to deal with such a person, and how to get rid of such an unhealthy relationship.
Contents
Who Is A Narcissist?
The term “narcissist” is often associated with a picture of someone who is self-centered and preoccupied with their appearance. However, narcissistic personality disorder, also known as NPD, goes beyond superficiality and what meets the eye.
Because of this wrong preconception, spotting a narcissist might be difficult, particularly if the person is close to you: someone you’re dating, married to, getting divorced from, working with or for, or parenting. The end result is a relationship that can become poisonous and emotionally draining.
Narcissists come in all shapes, sizes, and genders. However, they all have one thing in common: they may wreak havoc on your life through a variety of deceptive techniques. Try reasoning with them; you’ll soon wonder why you’re bothering them since narcissists don’t realize they’re narcissists according to the clinical definition of narcissistic personality disorder. In a diagnostic sense, neither you nor they will because narcissists seldom seek therapy.
What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
A person who suffers from a Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) has an inflated sense of self-importance, resulting in an acute need for admiration, a lack of empathy, and trouble forming healthy relationships.
Narcissists are often badly self-esteem, and even the tiniest criticism may shatter their fragile ego, resulting in a narcissistic wound. If you’re to blame for it, beware. A narcissist will employ a number of tactics to punish you, such as gaslighting (making you question your reality), giving you the silent treatment, lashing out at you, and shifting responsibility onto others).
Managing contact with a narcissist necessitates the ability to handle your emotions in situations where you may feel unsupported. A narcissist in your life may be both frustrating and emotionally draining. Your connection might be based on them. Their demands may make you feel criticized and drained.
Signs That You Are Dating A Narcissist
Narcissists are notoriously selfish and self-centered, and they often dismiss the concerns of others. If you’re wondering whether your partner might be a narcissist, here are some signs to look out for:
Prioritize Themselves
If your partner is always putting themselves first and never seems to consider your needs, then it’s possible you’re dating a narcissist.
Want Attention
Your partner is always trying to make themselves look better than you. They will make themselves seem superior, even if it’s in a subtle way. Your partner is always the center of attention. They need constant validation and approval from others and get easily jealous when they feel like they’re not getting enough attention.
Hold The Control
Your partner is always trying to control you and the relationship. He may try to control what you do, who you see, and how you spend your time. You feel guilty or manipulated as things are getting done his way.
Want Attributes
They love to take credit for things that they haven’t actually done. They will often exaggerate their accomplishments or talents to make themselves look better. Narcissists also tend to downplay your achievements or dismiss them altogether.
Initiate The Rebel
Your partner is always trying to start arguments with you. They may do this by picking fights, nit-picking, or making snide comments. Narcissists enjoy arguing because it gives them a chance to prove how right they are and how wrong you are.
Criticize You
Your partner regularly puts you down or criticizes you in front of other people. They may try to make you feel like you’re not good enough for them. They often try to make fun of you in front of others.
Never Apologize
Your partner is never sorry for their hurtful words or actions. They lack empathy and refuse to take responsibility for their own behavior due to their inflated sense of self.
Use You
Since Narcissists are often users and takers, such persons will always try to take advantage of you. They may do this by asking for favors, or constantly borrowing money without ever paying it back.
Lack Good Friends
Narcissists lack long-term friendships and always try to move on to someone new when they get bored. They are constantly looking for approval and validation from others, and will often ditch their current friends or partner as soon as they find someone new who gives them the attention they crave.
Seem Attractive At First Sight
Narcissists can be very charming and charismatic at first sight and your relationship seems very beautiful in the initial phase but as you get to know them more, their true colors start showing. It is often difficult to spot a narcissist because they can be very good at hiding their true selves.
Sing Their Own Glories
They only talk about themselves and you are nowhere in the conversation. Narcissists love to talk about themselves and their accomplishments. They will often interrupt you or change the subject if you try to bring up something that doesn’t involve them.
Challenge Your Patience
Your partner is always testing your limits. They may do things just to see how much they can get away with. Narcissists enjoy pushing boundaries and testing people to see how much they can take.
Reasons For Being Vulnerable To A Narcissist
All of the following are true of a narcissist: successful, attractive, and skilled. Following mentioned are some reasons why you become more vulnerable to a relationship with a narcissist:
-
- It’s a relief to hand over control to someone else.
- You are impressed by the narcissist because he or she knows how to amaze.
- The narcissist’s positive qualities deceive you into believing that he is connecting to you; instead, he’s charming you.
- It’s possible that you want to be with someone who appears to be so wonderful because there may be a part of yourself that is insecure.
- If you’re not sure what you want in a relationship, being a reflection of a narcissist might seem like intimacy.
- If you were raised by a narcissist, you may be more susceptible to a narcissistic relationship.
- You may be fair game for a narcissist if you’re used to being an enabler, which is defined as someone who had an alcoholic parent or parents and/or a parent(s) with psychological issues.
- You’re undoubtedly a very attractive individual. Most narcissists prefer to accessorize themselves with good-looking companions.
These are some common reasons why you enslave yourself to a narcissistic relationship. See these warning signals and try to analyze whether you are at such a risk.
Consequences Of Dating A Narcissist
Dating a narcissist brings many harsh consequences that one has to deal with. It may bring physical or mental implications and there is no surprise to know that. Dating such an incorrigible personality may result in:
Solitude
Though you are in a relationship but still most of the time you have to spend time alone in solitude. Your partner won’t help you when you need him by your side. You are the one who is always there for him but he never reciprocates the same. Such behavior may make you dive into a deep emptiness.
Perplexity
You’re perplexed by the narcissist’s actions. His actions in any terms will disturb your calm and peace. You’re always on an emotional roller coaster. One minute you feel loved and special, the next you feel worthless and discarded. This type of unstable relationship will take a toll on your self-esteem. You have no voice or opinion in the relationship.
Emotional Break-Down
You don’t believe he pays attention to topics that are of interest to you. This may break you emotionally. You’ll feel like you’re in a one-sided relationship. All his actions and words will be self-centered. It’ll always be about him, what he wants and what he thinks. You may feel like you’re not good enough for him. You fear that he may leave you.
Additional Responsibility
Apart from your yours, You take his responsibility also. This creates an additional burden on you which can lead to depression and anxiety. You give up your hobbies or interests to please him. This is a major red flag because it means you’re sacrificing your own happiness to make him happy. He doesn’t care about your needs or wants, only his own. It’s always his way or the highway.
Bad Faith
You don’t have faith in him. You’ve caught him telling lies that have eroded your trust in him. How can you have a healthy relationship with someone you can’t trust? You no longer feel like yourself. You’ve changed so much to please him and become the person he wants you to be that you’ve lost sight of who you are. Narcissists are skilled at manipulation and can make even the strongest person doubt themselves.
Abuse
The emotional, physical, and sexual, kinds of maltreatment that a narcissist may do to you are known as narcissistic abuse. This aggression can range from mild insults to deadly violence, with everything in between. You may frequently feel enraged, perplexed, or alone if you’re in a relationship with a narcissist. This can negatively impact your life in the long run.
Loss Of Identity
You feel as if you are losing your identity. You’ve changed so much to please him and become the person he wants you to be that you’ve lost sight of who you are. You don’t have any close friends or family because he’s jealous of anyone who takes away your attention from him. This removes a lot of true relations from your life and you feel more alone than before as your recognition has renewed itself.
Inferiority
The narcissist grows more controlling and demanding as a result of his or her core identity. His controlling nature may also be physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. This will break you down and leave you feeling worthless and empty due to which you think yourself to be inferior every time. This reduces your self morale and self-esteem. You feel like you are not capable of achieving any big goal.
The above mentioned are some major negative impacts of dating a narcissist. One needs to be very aware if he/she is dating a person who possesses a narcissistic personality. Dealing with such a person often results in physical and emotional implications which costs anyone’s precious life.
How To Get Out Of Relationship?
If you’re dating a narcissist, the best thing you can do is get out of the relationship as soon as possible. Here are some tips on how to do that:
Realize The Toxicity
The first step is realizing that your partner only cares about themselves. If you’re constantly being put down or made to feel like you don’t matter.
Acknowledge Your Self Needs
In order to get out of a toxic relationship with a narcissist, you need to first and foremost take care of yourself. This means acknowledging your own needs and putting yourself first for once. It’s time to start living for you and not for them. Narcissists are never going to change, so the only thing you can do is get out of the relationship.
Set boundaries
Narcissists will try to control every aspect of your life. They may tell you what to wear, who to talk to, and where to go. It’s important that you set boundaries with a narcissist and stick to them.
Cut off communication
Once you’ve realized that you’re in a toxic relationship and set some boundaries, it’s time to cut off communication with the narcissist. This means no more phone calls, text messages, or social media contact.
Get support from friends and family
When you’re getting out of a toxic relationship, it’s important to have a support system in place. Talk to your friends and family about what you’re going through and let them know how they can help you.
Say No
Narcissists will try to take advantage of you, so it’s important that you learn to say no. If they ask you for favors or money, just say no. By following these tips, you can get out of a toxic relationship with a narcissist and start living a happier, healthier life. Remember, you deserve better. Narcissists are not worth your time or energy. Move on and live your best life.
Let Go Of Your Fantasies
It is important to realize that a narcissist will never change. If you’re hoping that they’ll eventually see the error of their ways and turn into a better person, you’re only setting yourself up for disappointment. Let go of your fantasies and accept reality for what it is.
Say that you deserve better
This is probably the most important tip of all. It’s important to remember that you deserve better. No one deserves to be treated poorly or made to feel like they don’t matter. If you’re in a relationship with a narcissist, it’s time to walk away and never look back. Narcissists are not worth your time or energy. Move on and live your best life.
Prepare For The Breakup
If you’re getting out of a relationship with a narcissist, it’s important to be prepared for the breakup. Narcissists are master manipulators and will do anything to try to keep you under their thumb. They may become angry, abusive, or even violent when you try to leave them. It’s important that you have a solid plan in place before you break up with a narcissist.
How To Heal?
If you’re reading this, then it’s likely you’ve recently ended a relationship with a narcissist. Narcissists can be incredibly charming and persuasive, which is why it’s easy to get sucked into dating one. But once you realize what they’re really like, you’ll see that it’s best to stay far away from them. So how do you heal from the end of a narcissistic relationship? Here are some tips:
Give Yourself Time To Grieve
Just like any other break-up, the end of a relationship with a narcissist can be devastating. It’s important to give yourself time to mourn the loss of what could have been. Don’t try to force yourself to move on too quickly – allow yourself to feel all the feels.
Focus On Self-Care
This is a time when you need to take extra special care of yourself. Make sure to schedule in some me-time, whether it’s getting regular massages, taking yourself on vacation, or just spending an evening curled up with a good book. Whatever makes you feel relaxed and happy, do it!
Reach Out To Your Support System
Whether it’s your friends or family, lean on the people who love and support you during this difficult time. Let them know what you need from them, whether it’s just a shoulder to cry on or someone to vent to about your ex.
Remain Busy
Keep yourself busy during this time. If you have free time, fill it up with activities and hobbies that you enjoy. This will help take your mind off of things and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Set A Purposeful Goal
What do you want to achieve in the next month? The next year? Setting a goal will give you something to focus on and work towards. It can be anything, big or small – just make sure it’s something that’s important to you.
Don’t Lose Hope
Remember that this is just a temporary setback. Things will get better, and you will find happiness again. Just keep your head up and don’t give up
Practice Relaxation Techniques
In times of stress, it’s important to know how to relax. There are many different techniques you can try, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Find one that works for you and stick with it. If you find yourself getting tense or anxious, take a few minutes to yourself and try one of these relaxation techniques. It can make a world of difference. They will help you to feel more relaxed and at ease.
These are just a few tips to help you heal after ending a relationship with a narcissist. The most important thing is to be patient with yourself and take things one day at a time. eventually, you’ll get through this – and you’ll be all the stronger for it.
Seek Professional Help
Dating a narcissist can be a very difficult and emotionally damaging experience. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can provide you with the support and resources you need to heal and move on with your life.
If you’re struggling to cope with the end of your relationship, it might be helpful to talk to a therapist. They can help you work through your feelings and give you tools to deal with the aftermath of dating a narcissist. A therapist can help you process the emotions you’re currently experiencing. They can also provide valuable insights and perspectives that can help you heal and move on. If you are not able to cope with such an emotional phase, seek help from a professional therapist.
Therapy
Your therapist will help you understand your emotions and give you the tools you need to cope with them. He will also provide valuable insights that can help you heal and move on from your relationship with a narcissist. When nobody can understand you, a counselor can surely understand what you are going through.
By seeking professional help, you can begin to heal the emotional damage that has been done. You can also learn how to protect yourself from future hurt by gaining a better understanding of narcissism and healthy relationships. They can provide you with the support and resources you need to get through this difficult time.
Therapists can serve as an excellent resource if you find yourself in the aftermath of dating a narcissist. If you are struggling to cope with the aftermath of your relationship, seek professional help from a therapist. They can make all the difference in helping you get through this difficult time.
Conclusion
Some people might say that narcissists are everywhere and that we should just avoid them altogether. But the truth is, we all have narcissistic traits within us. It’s only when these traits become exaggerated and begin to dominate our lives that they become problematic. If you find yourself in a relationship with a narcissist, it’s time to learn how to deal with them. If the relationship gets improved over time, it can be a great one. But if you’re constantly feeling bad about yourself and there are no hopes of any good future in such relation, it’s time to get out as you deserve much better than this.
If you are looking for affordable Online Counseling MantraCare can help: Book a trial therapy session
