Being in a relationship with a narcissist can be emotionally draining, often leaving you questioning your own worth and reality.
Narcissists tend to exhibit specific patterns of behavior that prioritize their needs while disregarding yours.
If you’re noticing certain red flags in your relationship, I’ve outlined eight telltale behaviors that you might be dealing with a textbook narcissist—and how recognizing them can empower you to make informed decisions for your well-being.
Let’s dive in and decode the mystery that is narcissism.
1) Self-centered
Alright, think about your conversations with your partner: Are they balanced? Do both of you get a chance to speak and be heard? Or is it mostly one-sided?
They talk about their accomplishments, their goals, their needs, their desires… and when you try to steer the conversation towards something else, they find a way to make it about them again.
It’s like they’re the star of their own movie and you’re just an extra; they’re not interested in your day, your feelings, or your opinions – unless they can somehow relate them back to themselves.
In a healthy relationship, communication should be a two-way street.
2) Lack of empathy
One of the clearest signs of a narcissist is their inability to empathize with others.
They struggle to understand or care about how their actions affect you emotionally.
Your feelings might be dismissed, minimized, or ignored altogether. If you’re upset, they may accuse you of being “too sensitive” or “overreacting.”
This lack of empathy shows up in everyday situations. If you’re going through a tough time, they may act annoyed rather than supportive. Conversations often shift back to their own problems or achievements.
Over time, you might feel emotionally neglected, like your pain doesn’t matter.
This pattern isn’t accidental — it’s a core trait of narcissism that leaves you feeling unseen and unheard.
3) Seeking admiration
Narcissists have a deep-seated need for admiration and validation; they crave attention and, quite frankly, can’t get enough of it.
This comes from a psychological place where they equate admiration with self-worth—in other words, the more you admire them, the better they feel about themselves.
Now, here’s where things get interesting: Despite their inflated self-image, narcissists often harbor a low self-esteem, and this is why they constantly seek validation from others—to fill this void of self-doubt.
4) Feeling entitled
This one is a big red flag: Narcissists often have a strong sense of entitlement as they genuinely believe they’re superior and therefore, they deserve special treatment.
This could manifest in a variety of ways like expecting you to always put their needs before yours, or getting upset when things don’t go their way, regardless of how unreasonable their expectations might be.
This sense of entitlement can also lead to them taking advantage of others or disregarding others’ feelings and boundaries.
5) Never taking responsibility
Here’s something I’ve noticed: Narcissists have a hard time owning up to their mistakes because it’s always someone else’s fault, never theirs.
I remember a time when my partner forgot about our dinner plans: Instead of apologizing, they blamed me for not reminding them.
Anytime there was a problem or a disagreement, it was always because of something I did or didn’t do—they never took responsibility for their actions.
This constant shifting of blame is not only unfair, but it’s also emotionally draining.
Trust me, no one deserves to be the scapegoat all the time.
6) Fragile ego
Despite their outward display of confidence and superiority, narcissists often have a fragile ego—they can’t handle criticism or perceived slights.
Even the slightest negative comment can send them into a spiral of defensiveness, anger, or even a full-blown narcissistic rage.
It’s almost like walking on eggshells around them, careful not to bruise their delicate ego.
In any healthy relationship, both partners should be able to give and receive feedback without fear of an emotional meltdown.
7) Manipulative
Narcissists are masters of manipulation; they know exactly how to twist situations to their advantage and make you question your own judgment.
They might use tactics like gaslighting, where they deny or distort reality to make you doubt your perceptions and sanity, or they could use guilt-tripping, making you feel guilty for not meeting their unreasonable demands.
It’s important to remember that these tactics are not only unfair, but they’re also abusive.
Everyone deserves to be in a relationship where they feel heard, understood, and respected.
8) Being never truly happy for you
Whether it’s a job promotion, a personal accomplishment, or even a small win, narcissists struggle to share in your happiness.
Instead, they might belittle your achievements, or shift the focus back onto themselves.
If your partner can’t genuinely be happy for you and celebrate your successes, then that’s a sure fire sign that you’re in a relationship with a narcissist.
Remember, both partners should be each other’s biggest cheerleaders in their relationship.
Reflection on narcissism
As these tell-tale signs unfold, it’s essential to acknowledge that no one is without flaws.
Everyone experiences moments of selfishness or insecurity, but when these behaviors dominate a relationship, they warrant deeper reflection.
Being in a relationship with a narcissist can be emotionally draining, marked by cycles of manipulation, blame-shifting, and feeling undervalued.
However, it’s crucial to remember that your worth is defined by your character, your kindness, and your ability to maintain your self-respect in the face of adversity.
If you resonate with the signs discussed, it may be time to evaluate whether the relationship aligns with your emotional well-being and personal growth.
Ultimately, everyone deserves relationships rooted in mutual respect, empathy, and authentic love.
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