Having a narcissistic personality disorder is maintaining a highly developed alter ego, a false self. Oftentimes this is considered as a self-expression of repressed anger from certain early injuries in life.
So, instead of living life as a vulnerable and emotionally mature individual, narcissists choose to develop a false persona, thinking that the whole society revolves around them.
It results in having an idealized picture of one’s self, lacking empathy and compassion towards others, behaving selfishly and harmful to the people around them whenever they feel threatened.
They will be the scariest version of hell when confronted, they’ll mercilessly use their power to crush down your confidence and will make you feel completely worthless.
So, how would you recognize this type of person?
More importantly, how do you know if you’re in a relationship with one?
Here are 8 signs that serve as a clear indication you’re already stuck in a toxic relationship with a person who nurtures a narcissistic personality:
1. THEY’RE EXTREMELY SENSITIVE TO CRITICISM
Do you have troubles with your partner the second you point out a certain suggestion?
If the answer is positive and you face the consequence of never-ending disputes with them, it is clear.
Narcissists are taken with the idea of their perfect self-image, so the minor criticism, even if it’s constructive, will trigger a hellish personality. Protect yourself and get out of there before it’s too late.
2. NOTHING IS EVER THEIR FAULT
Have you ever felt like you’re constantly apologizing for things you haven’t done?
Because let’s face it. They never think they’ve done anything wrong. They will successfully put the blame on you and make you feel worthless. In fact, they’re so good at manipulating you, they’ll make you feel like you are the problem.
3. THEY HAVE AN EXCEPTIONAL SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT
People with narcissistic traits are convinced they should receive the special treatment from everyone. It’s first them than everybody else. And instead of putting up with life, they’ll pick the easier way and let someone else do that for them.
If you’re in a relationship with a partner that’s constantly acting as if they deserve things they haven’t earned, you are probably stuck with a narcissist.
4. THEY VIOLATE EVERY BOUNDARY AND BREAK ALL THE RULES COLD-BLOODED
Narcissists are the masters of breaking the rules. Considering that they don’t give a damn about a person’s feeling, they’ll have no problem to violate other prohibited boundaries.
And if they get caught, they’ll always find a way out, because…
5. THEY ARE CONSIDERED THE GREATEST MANIPULATORS
In order to get what they want, they are willing to play the guilt-trip card without you being aware of it. They will lure you into their world of wicked tricks and will manipulate you by making you think you don’t deserve their love. They’ll rip you apart and convince you that they’re the best you could ever have.
6. THEY’LL GASLIGHT YOU
If you’ve never heard this word before, gaslighting is a term used to explain all of the narcissist’s techniques, from convincing you that you’re always wrong and accusing you of things that aren’t your fault, to making you feel like a useless piece of trash.
If you are in an abusive relationship in which your partner is always telling you how sensitive and unreasonable you are and all you ever feel is an aching guilt even though you’ve done nothing but the best for them, this might be a serious caution sign you need to review.
7. EVERYTHING WILL ALWAYS BE ABOUT THEM
Every little thing, every topic usually revolves around them. They take pleasure in being the life of the party. And they’re usually the loudest, cockiest and the most self-absorbed people in crowds.
You’ll have no problem recognizing them since the only thing they enjoy is bragging about every little achievement and everything they own.
8. THEY ARE EXTREMELY SUPERFICIAL
Because of their false image projection and their fake personality, these people care for nothing more than the plain, superficial reality. They have no deeper emotions left in them. The only important thing that moves them is supreme power.
If your partner displays these kinds of traits in his detached and egotistical behavior, it is possible you’ve ended up with a narcissistic manipulator. The sooner you realize the truth, the quicker you can prevent them from hurting you.