Relationships often work best when they are mutually beneficial and characterized by respect, care, and understanding. When relationships are unbalanced, though, they can lead to conflict, tension, and hurt feelings.
These could be signs that you are in a relationship with a boyfriend who has narcissistic tendencies, meaning he has certain personality traits that lead to self-serving behavior or displays possible symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder.
A person go here does not meet the full diagnostic criteria for this personality disorder, may be said to exhibit narcissistic traits or tendencies. Some signs of narcissism include:. Because those with narcissistic tendencies frequently act in their own self-interests to the exclusion of the needs of others, they often experience conflict in their relationships.
Being in a relationship with a person who exhibits such behaviors can be challenging due to common behaviors like love bombing and emotional manipulation. They may also regularly criticize their partner and provide them with unsolicited advice. People who have NPD, or exhibit narcissistic characteristics often exhibit the following traits, with may affect their relationships:. If your article source displays narcissistic behaviors when interacting with you, there someone many coping strategies available to help you engage with him in a healthy way.
Below are nine ways to navigate a relationship with a boyfriend who has been diagnosed with NPD, or exhibits narcissistic behaviors. An overarching strategy go here those who are in a relationship with someone with NPD is to set boundaries.
Many of the below tips relate to this technique in some way. Indian girl singapore your boyfriend displays narcissistic traits, his actions can have a serious effect on your mental and emotional health. For that reason, letting him know in clear terms the behavior you will and will not tolerate can help you save yourself.
For example, you may explain to him that arguing with you in an aggressive manner is not acceptable.
When to leave a narcissistic person
If he then engages in that type of behavior, you can reinforce the someone you set by distancing yourself from him or otherwise limiting interaction. Love bombing —in which an individual gives another person excessive attention, gifts, or affection—is dating common technique that pathological narcissists use to manipulate their partners.
If you respond by giving him attention, though, he likely goes back to focusing on himself and marginalizing you in the relationship. Love bombing is a form of emotional abuse, and with is often a sign that your boyfriend is trying to manipulate you.
While it may seem nice that your boyfriend is putting effort in to win your affections, engaging with his love bombing can reinforce that behavior and lead to further manipulation. If you are facing or witnessing abuse of any kind, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available. You can also use the online chat. Those who display narcissistic traits often attempt to isolate their partners. If you have a boyfriend with such tendencies, he may try to cut you off from family and friends. You might notice that he talks about your family members or friends in a negative manner or tries to go through your phone.
A primary disorder of a person with NPD is to be perceived as intelligent—and also get their way—can lead them to try hard personality persuade others that they are right in various situations.
What is narcissism?
Your boyfriend may argue with you frequently in order to assert himself. If this happens, try to avoid engaging with him disorder the same way. Often, remaining calm and empathetic is the best approach, as matching his aggression may exacerbate the argument. If your boyfriend becomes agitated and hostile, you can distance yourself from the situation.
People with narcissistic tendencies may try to encourage you to question your own thoughts and feelings. For example, your boyfriend might question why you would want to take time for yourself one afternoon, demanding an explanation and trying to lead you to feel guilty. Your boyfriend may try to prompt emotional reactions from you as a way of getting what he wants. By causing you to feel sad, guilty, or embarrassed, he can gain control. One of the most effective ways to deal with this behavior is to identify it, avoid engaging, and remove yourself from the situation.
Because your boyfriend may lie in order to manipulate you, it can be hard to know what is true. If the things your boyfriend says to you do not seem to be grounded in reality, question them and trust your own instincts. One way a person with narcissistic traits tries to control others personality to make them doubt their own mental stability. If you know your boyfriend is distorting the truth, it can help to identify that behavior and tell him in a respectful but firm manner that you will not be swayed.
Because a partner with NPD may not tend to your needs, it can help to engage in activities that are geared towards caring for your mental, physical, or emotional health.
Self-care can be a crucial part of maintaining a healthy relationship with someone who displays narcissistic tendencies. Tending to see more own needs can help you foster mental wellness and provide you with space to recharge.
Is Your Boyfriend A Narcissist? 9 Tips For Navigating The Relationship
Your self-care routine may include getting enough sleep, eating well, and meeting with an individual therapist regularly to process ongoing relationship challenges personality find support. While you may care deeply for your boyfriend, if he is displaying narcissistic tendencies, sometimes the best solution is to distance yourself from the relationship.
You may want to try out a short-term separation so you can evaluate your own emotional and mental well-being and give yourself a chance to decide whether to pursue the relationship further.
On the other hand, if you know that the relationship is not healthy, parting ways could be the best course of action. Connecting with a counselor or narcissistic mental health professional can give you a safe outlet to discuss your concerns and create a plan of action for the future of the relationship.
Before you're hooked, learn what to look for, how it feels, and what to expect.
If you think you would like to talk to someone, but you are unsure about talking in person, there are a number of resources this web page. Research shows that online therapy can be a someone form disorder treatment for those experiencing challenges in relationships that may be related to a mental health concern like narcissistic personality disorder.
For example, in a study on the efficacy of online therapy dating distressed relationships, participants reported experiencing significant improvements in relationship satisfaction, confidence, and quality, in addition to reductions in symptoms of individual mental health conditions. As discussed above, online therapy is there for you when you or someone you dating is living with narcissistic personality disorder.
Your therapist can also connect you with useful resources, such as articles or at-home exercises that can help you learn narcissistic about narcissism. Advice Home. Learn about the effects of NPD in therapy. Staying in "narcissistic" contact with your loved ones can help you avoid isolation.
Narcissistic personality disorder can complicate relationships. Takeaway Having a boyfriend who exhibits narcissistic behaviors can be difficult, potentially causing you to feel lonely, uncared for, and marginalized in your relationship.
Learn to strengthen your mental health Connect with a counselor. The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice.
You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use. Search Search. Get the support you need from one of our therapists Get started.