Narcissistic Personality Disorder has a specific set of criteria that is very real and can be quite abusive in any type of relationship:

Narcissist’s display:

- A pattern of grandiosity

- A profound sense of self-involvement

- A lack of empathy

- Intolerance of criticism

- A need for admiration (this often makes them quite charming and charismatic so they can quickly ignite a romance that they desperately need for admiration)

- An exaggerated entitlement

- An inflation of their own accomplishments and severe underestimation of the accomplishment of others

- A need to prop themselves up at other people’s expense

- Blatant disregard of other people’s feelings

- The use of other people’s feelings against them to manipulate/humiliate/control them

- Inability to genuinely validate another

Victims of this abuse will often blame themselves (especially children) for the narcissist’s behaviors and tensions in the relationship; they will lose their sense of self and walk on eggshells to keep things peaceful.

Navigating any type of a relationship with a narcissist can be deeply frustrating. People with Narcissistic Personality Disorder are rarely capable of “Truly falling in love,” and cannot build a trusting/equal partnership. They may seek to establish strict rules in a relationship and attempt to isolate a partner from family and friends.

If you find yourself in this type of relationship, it is an unhealthy environment - please seek help.