Key Points:
A narcissist has an exaggerated sense of self-importance and craves constant admiration.
Narcissistic abuse can be emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical.
Setting boundaries with a narcissistic spouse is important in learning to protect yourself.
Take the Quiz: Take the quiz to see if your spouse’s traits point to a narcissistic personality.
Marriage is already hard but it’s even harder if your spouse is a narcissist. In this blog, we’ll explore what narcissism is, how it shows up in marriage, and what you can do if you find yourself in this challenging situation. We’ve also provided a quiz to see if your spouse’s personality matches common narcissistic traits.
A narcissist is someone who has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, craves constant admiration, struggles with relationships, and lacks empathy. While everyone can be a bit self-centered sometimes, true narcissists consistently show these traits, making it hard for them to have healthy relationships.
The term “narcissist” comes from Greek mythology. Narcissus was a guy who fell in love with his own reflection. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is the official term for this condition. People with NPD believe they are superior to others and need constant praise. They have little regard for others’ feelings and often put their own needs first.
Narcissistic abuse is the emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical harm inflicted by someone with narcissistic traits. This type of abuse can be very damaging because it involves manipulative tactics designed to control and belittle the victim.
This type of abuse includes gaslighting, where the abuser makes the victim question their reality, memory, and perceptions. It also includes verbal abuse, emotional manipulation , and even physical violence. The goal of the narcissist is to control their victim, making them feel powerless and dependent.
In a marriage, narcissism often looks like one partner dominating the relationship. The narcissistic spouse might be charming and loving sometimes, but can quickly become cold, critical, and controlling. This creates an emotional rollercoaster for the other partner, leading to confusion, low self-esteem, and helplessness.
Living with a narcissist can feel like walking on eggshells. The non-narcissistic partner may constantly try to avoid triggering their spouse’s anger or disapproval. The narcissistic partner demands constant attention and praise while showing little empathy for their spouse’s needs and feelings. This toxic cycle of emotional abuse and manipulation leaves the victim feeling trapped and isolated.
Zachary Rosenthal PhD , a clinical psychologist at Duke Health, uses the acronym “SPECIAL ME” to remember the 9 signs of NPD.
SPECIAL ME
This quiz is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or advice. If you have concerns about your relationship, it is recommended to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.
Excessive Need for Admiration: Your spouse constantly seeks praise and validation, even for small accomplishments. They may get upset if they don’t receive the attention they think they deserve.
Lack of Empathy: They struggle to understand or care about your feelings and needs. They might dismiss your emotions as unimportant or irrational.
Manipulation: They use guilt, shame, or other tactics to control you and get their way. This can include emotional blackmail or making you feel responsible for their happiness.
Grandiosity: They have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are superior to others. They may boast about their achievements and expect special treatment.
Entitlement: They expect special treatment and become angry if they don’t get it. They may believe that rules and boundaries don’t apply to them.
Isolation: They try to isolate you from friends and family to increase their control over you. This can include making you feel guilty for spending time with loved ones or creating conflicts to drive a wedge between you and your support network.
Gaslighting: They make you question your reality, memory, and perceptions. This can involve denying things they have said or done or insisting that you are imagining things.
Emotional Abuse: They belittle, criticize, and humiliate you regularly. This can include name-calling, insults, and making you feel worthless.
Lack of Accountability: They never take responsibility for their actions and often blame you or others for their problems. They may refuse to apologize or acknowledge their mistakes.
Unstable Relationships: They have a history of turbulent relationships with others, not just with you. This can include frequent conflicts with friends, family members, and coworkers.
If you recognize several of the signs above in your spouse, you might be dealing with a narcissist. Trust your instincts. If you constantly feel belittled, controlled, or emotionally drained, these are red flags that shouldn’t be ignored.
Reflect on how you feel in the relationship. Do you often feel anxious, depressed, or fearful around your spouse? Find yourself constantly seeking their approval or trying to avoid their anger? These feelings can be indicators of narcissistic abuse.
Narcissists often treat their spouses as extensions of themselves rather than as separate individuals with their own needs and feelings. They may show affection and attention when it benefits them but will quickly withdraw it when they don’t get what they want. This inconsistent behavior can leave you feeling confused and desperate for their approval.
Narcissistic spouses may also use their partner to boost their own self-esteem. They may brag about their spouse’s accomplishments as if they were their own while belittling their partner in private. This creates a confusing and toxic dynamic where the victim feels both valued and devalued.
If you believe you are married to a narcissist, it’s time to seek help and support. Here are some steps you can take:
Learn more about narcissism and its effects on relationships. Knowledge is power. Understanding the dynamics of narcissistic abuse can help you recognize patterns and protect yourself.
Establish clear boundaries to protect yourself emotionally and physically. This can include setting limits on what behaviors you will tolerate and sticking to them.
Reach out to someone who specializes in narcissistic abuse. An online life coach can provide valuable support and guidance.
Keep a record of abusive behaviors. This can be useful if you decide to seek legal action or divorce. Documentation can also help you see patterns and recognize the severity of the abuse.
If you’re considering divorce, an online divorce coach or divorce lawyer can help you understand your options and guide you through the process. It’s important to know your rights and have a clear plan for moving forward.
At DivorcePlus, we understand that dealing with a narcissistic spouse can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer 24-hour divorce services and urgent care for divorce. Whether you need immediate legal advice or just someone to talk to, our team of professionals is here for you around the clock.
Our services include online consultations with experienced divorce lawyers and life coaches who can provide the support and guidance you need, no matter the time of day. We are committed to helping you navigate this difficult time with compassion and expertise.
Living with a narcissist can be incredibly challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. By recognizing the signs of narcissism and seeking the right support, you can take control of your life and make the best decisions for your future. Remember, help is available 24/7 to support you through this difficult time.
Victoria Habib is a paralegal, mediator, and Certified Life and Divorce Coach offering personalized coaching programs. She finds fulfillment in working with clients to make sound decisions and reach their desired goals.
Allison Cherry is a mediator, and Certified Life and Divorce Coach offering personalized coaching programs. She works to assist people with minimizing the negative emotions associated with separation and divorce as well as work to decrease the exorbitant amounts of money they would spend in court.
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