Have you ever been in a relationship with someone that exhibited narcissistic patterns or behaviors? If not, your first experience may set you back emotionally and cause you to question your own sanity & self-worth. No, really.

And yes, narcissistic behaviors can be present regardless of sex.

I have researched narcissism for nearly 2 decades and I have found few personalities as interesting. Narcissism resides on a spectrum with 2 main subtypes: grandiose and covert/vulnerable. Both types of narcissism can be detrimental to the non-narcissistic partner, just differently. In long-standing relationships, these traits can sometimes be expressed by the non-narcissistic partner as a form of protection after years of involvement.

People that display characteristics of narcissism may work to slowly separate you from your friends and family and methodically take steps to lower your self-esteem while expecting constant admiration from you as if on cue. This dynamic does things to you. The process is often so insidious and slow that the daily effects are nearly imperceivable. But just give it time….

As many people displaying narcissistic characteristics have a self-created sense of perfection, they can only see issues with other people and not themselves. With that in mind, narcissists rarely voluntarily engage in therapy unless they desire the focused attention or their issues have become too disruptive to ignore. So guess who is typically coming to therapy due to narcissistic behavioral patterns…. The person engaged in a relationship with them.

Narcissistic abuse recovery is a process that centers on aiding people in recovering their lives through empowerment.

Sense of entitlement - “I am entitled to do whatever I want. The rules don’t apply to me.”

Exaggerated self-appraisal - “I’m the best at this. Everyone else is just inferior. Only I can fix this mess.” (often self-created)

Standards are unreasonably high & increasing - That extends to people in their lives & the goalpost is ever moving.

Lack of empathy - Impaired ability to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others

Incredibly fragile ego - Highly sensitive to the most insignificant slights

Chaos & conflict follows them at every turn, but is NEVER their fault (On the extreme end, multiple lawsuits are common)

Relationships are largely superficial and exist to serve their own self-esteem regulation

Believe it or not, recovery from narcissistic abuse is absolutely possible. You can recover your authentic self and break the cycle, even if it started in your childhood via a parent. Therapy & empowerment coaching focused on the effects of antagonistic relational stress or narcissistic abuse are powerful, life-changing tools to empower you to accomplish this goal.

You can be the person that you used to be or desire to be. They already exist within you. That person is well within your grasp.

Being involved with someone that exhibits strong narcissistic behaviors often starts with intense charm and flattery, a whirlwind of attention that feels like a dream. But this façade eventually fades, revealing a pattern of subtle degradation, manipulation and gaslighting. You're left questioning your sanity, walking on eggshells and losing your sense of self. People exhibiting narcissistic behaviors, driven by entitlement and a fragile ego, seek partners who boost their self-esteem, often targeting attractive, successful or empathetic individuals.

Recognizing patterns is impactful —

• Lack of empathy

• Lack of accountability

• May have difficulty with truth or logic that does not serve them

• May apologize for wrongdoing, but continues the behavior

• Disregards your boundaries through their actions

• Extreme defensiveness or even rage when challenged (or a perceived challenge)

• Gifts that you realize actually serve them in some way.

• Frequently involved in lawsuits because “everyone is against them”

• Incessant victimhood (vulnerable narcissism)

• Everyone else is always wrong or stupid

• Sense of superiority and entitlement

• Conversations serve as an opportunity for them to shine or assert superiority

• Inconveniences are taken as personal slights

• Life revolves around their needs & desires

• Exaggerated self-appraisal

• Lack of reciprocity

• Heightened focus on superficial qualities

• Need for constant validation

  Though recovery is challenging, it's possible to reclaim your authentic self and break free from the cycle.

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