A psychologist revealed three signs that your partner is a narcissist. Since these individuals tend to lead with their charming personality at the beginning of a relationship, it can be difficult to notice these negative traits at first.
The warning signs that your partner is a narcissist PHOTO: Archive, The Truth
Dr. Amy Brunell, professor of psychology at Ohio State University, said that all narcissists share the same basic characteristics: an exaggerated sense of self-importance, self-centeredness and a lack of empathy for others, according to the dailymail.
“There are people who are charming and pleasant and who are not narcissists, for sure. But in my experience, I think it’s wise to be aware and protect yourself“, says the psychologist.
Dr. Brunell has an easier method for identifying narcissists early and removing them from your life.
“It’s great until it’s not. And often, then it seems too far. That’s why it’s best to look for these signs early”she added.
Other common signs of narcissism include “a constant need for attention and admiration, taking advantage of others and expecting special favors without reciprocity”.
Brunell discussed the latest research on narcissists and how to deal with them in an article published in the journal Cambridge Elements. The new research could prove especially helpful for those already in long-term relationships with narcissists.
Alarm signals!
The first red flag is love bombing, which often takes the form of excessive flattery, gift buying, and overwhelming attention early in a relationship.
It may seem like an innocent expression of your partner’s love and admiration for you, but it’s actually a manipulative tactic, Brunell said.
While leaving a long-term narcissistic partner comes with many challenges, those who are still in the beginning of the relationship may have a chance to get out.
“If you’re in a new relationship and you get the feeling that the person is a narcissist, the best thing to do is walk away.” Brunell said.
But even so, “it’s hard to do when they flatter you and give you so much attention.”
These general principles apply to all narcissists. But there are different types of narcissism to watch out for.
Brunell explained three major forms that recent research has identified.
The first is “grandiose narcissism.” This type is characterized by “grandeur, high self-esteem, extraversion, arrogance”.
They have perceptions “exalted” about themselves, especially when it comes to their own competence and intelligence. As a result, they feel superior to others, even if this is not reflected in reality.
To maintain their sense of superiority, these characteristics seek to make others feel inferior by insulting or belittling them. For these people, nothing matters more than personal status, not even intimacy with others.
According to the cited publication, the second type is communal grandiose narcissism. These narcissists seek admiration by being considerate and helpful, which may seem counter-intuitive.
But while it may appear that communal narcissists are deeply concerned about others, their behavior is actually motivated by a selfish need to be admired.
For example, one study found that when general narcissists were given encouraging feedback about their personality, they actually became less helpful in response.
The third is vulnerable narcissism, which is characterized by “through low self-esteem and negative emotionality”. These narcissists usually struggle with anxiety and depression.
They tend to be socially inhibited, defensive and vindictive and find it difficult to trust others because they think everyone is out to get them.
Even so, these narcissists are hypersensitive to social approval because “struggle to regulate their self-esteem and therefore rely heavily on feedback from others.”
