Dating a Narcissist

Dating a narcissist can be a very difficult and confusing experience. It can quickly turn from emotionally manipulative and abusive to downright dangerous. While this isn't the case for all narcissists, it's important to be aware of the potential signs that you may be dating someone with this disorder.

Let's start by talking about what a narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) really is. People with NPD are impaired in their self-functioning and interpersonal functioning. This means they gain their self-identity and self-motivation from others, often through traits such as grandiosity, antagonism, and attention-seeking behaviors. Narcissists often experience low levels of empathy for the effect their behaviors have on others.

Here is a list of common signs that you may be dating a narcissist:

-The love-bombing stage. Everything will seem so perfect, even too good to be true. They will have you smitten by them, then when they know you’ve fallen hard for them, they will start to show you the real them. They may tell you they love you or ask you to marry them in the first week or month of being with them. When something seems too good to be true please question it.

-A tendency to be very self-centered and to prioritize their own needs over those of others. You will never come first it their lives and everything is about their needs and wants. Your feelings won’t matter.

-A need to always be the center of attention. They tend to thrive off attention good or bad.

-A lack of empathy and an inability to recognize the feelings of others. They do not have the tendency to put their selves in other people’s shoes. They can only see things from their perspective. They are incapable of understanding how feelings work.

-A sense of entitlement. Narcs feel like you are their property. They will not treat you like a human being, you will be treated more like a possession instead of a person.

-A tendency to be overly critical and judgmental of others. They believe that they are above everyone. They think that they a perfect in every way possible. They might even tell you that they’re God. Its very sick and grandiose behavior.

-A need to always be right and to have the last word. You will never win in an argument with a narc. They are so manipulative that even if something is their fault, they will gaslight you so much to the point that you will be the one apologizing in the end.

-A tendency to manipulate and exploit others to get what they want. They will use you up until you have nothing left to give, then they dust their hands with you and move on to their next victim, leaving you broken and confused.

-An inability to take responsibility for their mistakes. They will always point the finger at you and blame everything on you. Nothing is ever their fault.

-They are very controlling. You will never have a say so in anything that you do. If you want to watch a certain movie or show, they will suggest something else. If you want to eat a certain food, again they will suggest something else. They want to control every aspect of your life.

-They will isolate you. Narcs want you all to themselves so they will isolate you from your loved ones. They will tell you that your friends and family members are bad for you. They will even try to move you to another state.

Dealing with someone that has NPD can really take a toll on you. It can lead someone to having PTSD, anxiety, and even paranoia. Some people may even try to harm themselves or worse. If you find yourself in a relationship with someone who displays these traits, it's important to take a step back and to ensure your own safety and well-being. It may be wise to seek advice from a mental health professional to help you better understand the situation and to determine the best course of action.