21 Signs You Are Dating A Narcissist
21 Signs You Are Dating A Narcissist
Dating someone can be a journey filled with learning about each other and growing together. However, when you find yourself in a relationship with a narcissist, it can feel like you’re on a roller coaster with no way to get off. Narcissists have a way of making everything about them, often leaving their partners feeling undervalued and invisible. Here are some signs that might indicate you’re dating a narcissist. Recognizing these patterns can help you understand your situation better and decide on your next steps.
1. They Diminish Your Accomplishments
A narcissist will often belittle your achievements, making them seem insignificant. They might downplay your successes or not acknowledge them at all. This tactic is used to keep the spotlight on themselves and to make you feel less competent and confident.
2. They Always Blame You
No matter the situation, a narcissist will find a way to blame you for anything that goes wrong. They refuse to take responsibility for their actions and instead, make you feel guilty and responsible for their mistakes and shortcomings.
3. They Give You Crumbs
Narcissists are masters at giving just enough attention and affection to keep you hooked but never enough to fully satisfy your emotional needs. This imbalance keeps you longing for more, making you more dependent on their sporadic gestures of affection.
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4. They Never Do Anything Wrong
In a narcissist’s eyes, they can do no wrong. They will deny any wrongdoing and often twist the story to make themselves the victim. This refusal to accept fault can make rational conversations and conflict resolution nearly impossible.
5. They Want You to Work Harder
Narcissists expect their partners to put in all the effort in the relationship while they contribute minimal effort. They create a dynamic where you’re always trying to please them, often at the expense of your own needs and well-being.
6. They Don’t Contribute Their Share
Whether it’s emotional support, finances, or chores, narcissists often shirk their responsibilities, expecting their partners to pick up the slack. This one-sidedness can leave you feeling overburdened and undervalued.
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7. They Never Validate Your Feelings
Your emotions and feelings will often be dismissed or invalidated by a narcissist. They lack empathy and are unable to genuinely connect with or understand your emotional experiences, making you feel alone and unsupported.
8. They Gaslight You
Gaslighting is a common tactic used by narcissists to make you question your reality and sanity. Through lies, denial, and manipulation, they sow doubt, making you less confident in your perceptions and memories.
9. They Think They Are Superior
Narcissists have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are superior to others, including you. This superiority complex can manifest as dismissive behavior or a condescending attitude.
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10. They Think They Know Better About Everything
A know-it-all attitude is a red flag for narcissism. They will insist they are right about everything and dismiss your opinions or expertise, making you feel devalued and ignored.
11. They Can Never Be the Problem
In a narcissist’s world, they are never the problem. Any issues in the relationship are always your fault, never theirs. This mindset prevents any meaningful growth or change within the relationship.
12. They Become Friends Only with People Who Can Bring Something to the Table
Narcissists value people based on what they can offer them, whether it’s status, money, or connections. They rarely form genuine friendships, instead cultivating relationships that can benefit them in some way.
13. They Manipulate and Control You
Manipulation and control are tools in the narcissist’s arsenal to keep you under their thumb. They might use emotional blackmail, threats, or guilt to dictate your actions and decisions.
14. They Criticise Your Family
Criticizing your family and the people you’re close to is a strategy to isolate you and make you more dependent on them. By undermining these relationships, they aim to become the central figure in your life.
15. They Isolate You from Friends
Isolation from your support network makes you more vulnerable and easier to control. Narcissists will often discourage or outright forbid you from seeing friends, making you reliant on them for social interaction and support.
16. They Play the Sad Card When You Want to Do Things Alone
Narcissists can’t stand not being the center of attention, even for a moment. If you express a desire to spend time alone or pursue your interests, they might become overly sad or dramatic to guilt you into staying with them.
17. They Are Charming First, Manipulative Second
Initially, narcissists can be incredibly charming and engaging, drawing you in with their charisma. However, once they have you hooked, their manipulative and controlling behaviors come to the forefront, revealing their true nature.
18. Their Emotions Are Unpredictable
The emotional landscape of a narcissist is turbulent and unpredictable. One moment they may shower you with affection, and the next, they could be cold and dismissive, keeping you constantly on edge.
19. They Never Question Themselves or Take a Different Perspective
Self-reflection and the ability to consider other viewpoints are not traits of a narcissist. They are unwavering in their beliefs and perspectives, refusing to acknowledge that they could be wrong or that there might be another way to see things.
20. They Don’t Maintain Long-Term Relationships
The inability to form and maintain long-term relationships is a hallmark of narcissism. Their relationships are often short-lived, ending once the novelty wears off or their partner stands up to them.
21. They Are Envious or Believe Others’ Successes Are Stealing From Their Own
Narcissists are often envious of others’ successes, viewing them as a direct threat to their own status and self-worth. They might downplay your achievements or become resentful when others receive recognition, unable to feel genuine happiness for anyone but themselves.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.