7 Red Flags You Are Dating a Narcissist
If you are in a relationship with someone who loves themselves a little too much, is charming, unempathetic, acts hot and cold then you may be dating a narcissist. Though Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a serious condition that requires professional treatment, there are some early warning signs you can look out for in your partner. This article will list 6 of those red flags so that you can be on the lookout!
1. The narcissist's grandiose sense of self
One of the biggest red flags that you are dating a narcissist is their grandiose sense of self. A narcissist will always see themselves as superior to others and will constantly try to prove this to the people around them. They will brag about their accomplishments, their possessions, and their looks. They will also try to put other people down in order to make themselves feel better.
2. The narcissist's need for constant admiration
A narcissist will always need to be the center of attention. They will constantly seek out compliments and validation from others. If you are dating a narcissist, you may find that they are always trying to one-up you or put you down in order to make themselves feel better.
3. The narcissist's sense of entitlement
A narcissist will also have a sense of entitlement. They believe that they are better than other people and deserve special treatment. They often expect their partners to cater to their every need and do things for them without being asked. If you find yourself always doing things for your partner without being appreciated, it may be a sign that you are dating a narcissist.
4. The narcissist's exploitative behavior
One of the most common red flags is exploitative behavior. The narcissist may try to take advantage of you financially, emotionally, or sexually. They may also try to control you and manipulate you into doing things that they want. When they don’t get their needs met they might exploit you in front of your friends and family to shame and guilt you. You will also notice stonewalling behavior where they will ignore you all day or several days to make you feel like you did something wrong.
5. The narcissist's lack of empathy
Other red flag that you are dating a narcissist is their lack of empathy. Narcissists are incapable of feeling empathy for others. This means that they will never truly understand your feelings or experiences. They may pretend to care about you, but only because they want something from you.
6. The narcissist's tendency to be emotionally abusive
Narcissists have the tendency to be emotionally abusive. Narcissists are often very charming and sweet in the beginning of a relationship. They may say all of the right things and make you feel like you are the most special person in the world. However, this is usually just a facade.
Once a narcissist has you hooked, they will start to show their true colors. They may become controlling, manipulative, and jealous. They may also start to put you down, both in private and in public. If you express any disagreement with them, they may become even more abusive. Narcissists often have a very fragile ego, and any criticism can be seen as a threat.
7. The narcissist's need for control and power
If you're dating a narcissist, you may notice that they always need to be in control. They may try to control your conversations, decision-making, and even your thoughts and feelings. They may do this by gaslighting you or making you feel like you're crazy.
Narcissists also have a need for power. They may try to control you through financial abuse, emotional manipulation, or even physical abuse. If you're dating a narcissist, it's important to be aware of their need for control and power and seek immediately a professional that can help you.
Final Thought…
If you are dating someone and notice any of these red flags, it might be time to reassess the relationship. Narcissists can be incredibly difficult to deal with and often leave their partners feeling drained, used, and manipulated. If you find yourself in a relationship with a narcissist, it is important to recognize the signs and be conscious that having hope may not be the best choice as narcissists won’t change.