- Written By: Marjorie McAtee
- Edited By: W. Everett
-
Copyright Protected:
2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
A narcissistic relationship, in which one partner suffers from narcissistic personality disorder, can often be very harmful for the non-narcissistic partner. Narcissistic personality disorder typically leaves its victims unable to cultivate a true inner sense of self, such that they depend heavily on the attention of others in order to feel important, unique, and special. As a result, the narcissistic partner in a narcissistic relationship will generally demand large amounts of time and attention from the other partner, while thoroughly disregarding that partner's needs, desires, and identity. The typical narcissist believes that his partner's sole duty in life is to shower him with attention, whether negative or positive, and to meet all of his needs. The narcissistic relationship can therefore be very draining for the non-narcissistic partner, and can even lead to long-term psychological consequences for that partner, since these relationships typically involve emotional, verbal, and sometimes physical abuse.
Psychologists believe that people with narcissism feel a strong need to be admired, fawned over, praised, and wanted. In a narcissistic relationship, the narcissist will generally demand excessive and unending praise from the non-narcissistic partner. The narcissistic partner will, however, typically remain emotionally distant from the other partner, probably because the narcissist is incapable of experiencing feelings such as empathy or compassion. Validation behaviors on the part of the narcissistic individual in such a relationship generally occur when the narcissist is feeling validated and admired by sources outside the relationship, or when the narcissist begins to fear losing the relationship and the source of constant validation it supplies for him. Experts believe that this dynamic can apply not only to the romantic narcissistic relationship, but also to the filial, professional, or platonic narcissistic relationship.
The typical narcissist lacks the ability to self-validate or self-affirm. They are generally very focused on themselves, and unable to recognize or understand the valid needs of others. The interpersonal boundaries of others typically mean very little to them, while their own need for recognition generally takes center stage in their own minds.
The demands a narcissist may make on a relationship partner can often, however, extend beyond the emotional. Narcissists often choose relationship partners who possess skills, qualities, or assets that they themselves desire, since they may feel that they can somehow possess a partner's beauty, wealth, accomplishments, or status. Many narcissists, however, cannot perform the necessary daily tasks necessary to function well in society. They will often rely on a partner, friend, or relative to meet these practical needs instead.
Related Videos
Discuss this Article
|
kylee07drg
Post 4 |
Sometimes narcissistic people are so self-conscious that they are afraid to interact with strangers. My friend was like this, and she got her husband to take care of everything that involved talking to another person.
She didn't like dealing with cashiers. She was afraid they would be rude to her or look at her strangely. So, she made him do the grocery shopping.
Even though he worked and she stayed home, she wouldn't go take care of things like paying the electric bill or rent, because that meant she might have to talk to someone she didn't know, and that person might not like her.
Around friends and family, she needed continual confirmation. If they didn't offer her compliments, then she started asking them what they thought of her hair, clothes, and makeup. Even at a funeral home, she would change the subject to herself. It got very tiring for us, and just being around her was a strain. |
|
Perdido
Post 3 |
I had a narcissistic boyfriend for over a year. He was in a band, which I thought was so cool. He had long, flowing hair and a ton of charisma, and I fell under his spell.
I wouldn't have thought that someone like him would have been so needy. He was always asking what I thought of his performance on a certain song, if I liked what he was wearing, and how I thought he should stand on stage.
I admired him fully, and he knew he had my heart. I didn't find out until later on in the relationship that my love wasn't enough to quench his desire for validation. He was cheating on me with any women who complimented him and said they wanted to take him home. |
|
Oceana
Post 2 |
@seag47 – I empathize more with your sister. Some people have told me that I am a narcissist, and maybe that's true, but if a guy falls in love with me anyway, why should he leave me when he knew exactly what he was getting into from the start of the relationship?
My boyfriend was a lot like your sister's boyfriend. He lavished attention on me, and to him, I was the pinnacle of female perfection.
Maybe I didn't feel the same about him, but I liked him enough to keep him around. I fulfilled his deepest wish simply by letting him be my boyfriend. In return, I got the love and admiration I needed.
He broke up with me because he said I was selfish. I told him that I had given him the best gift possible by letting him be my man, and he actually laughed in my face!
I think he should have known how things would be, because I made it clear a long time ago. I guess he hoped he could change me, which I think is crazy, since he professed to love me perfectly. |
|
seag47
Post 1 |
I felt sorry for my narcissistic sister's boyfriend. I knew how she needed everything to be all about her, and she could never give the love that a healthy relationship requires both partners to give.
He did everything right. He bought her flowers, wrote her poems, and constantly told her how lovely she was.
He was everything that she needed, and though she didn't feel the same way for him, he didn't care. He simply adored her and was grateful that she allowed him to be in her life.
After a couple of years, though, he felt an emptiness inside himself. He knew that his affection wasn't reciprocated, and he was getting tired of my sister's neediness. He broke up with her, and she was devastated for all the wrong reasons. |
