Seeking admiration, validation, and attention are most commonly associated with narcissistic behavior. Narcissism is increasingly becoming a part of modern-day society. Many have associated the disorder with the social media boom and the techno-centric environment we live in today. Others have linked it with childhood traumas and poor upbringing. All true; it is probably one of those or a blend of multiple things that develop a narcissistic behavior in an individual. Narcissism affects not only the individual but also their personal or professional relationships.
More narcissistic people mean more narcissistic relationships. There is every chance that a person encounters a narcissist at some stage of their life. It is the condition where everything seems normal, and the narcissist does not really think of them as selfish. This is what narcissism is – look at me, I am perfect.
So what are the characteristics of a narcissistic relationship?
It is vital to understand that narcissism is a continuous pattern. Nowadays, with the term being carelessly thrown down, we label every little action or temporary emotion as narcissism. A person with NPD will show continuous toxic behavior toward others and even with their close relations due to lack of empathy. Below is a list of some traits of a narcissistic partner.
- Charming at first
- Constantly self-admiring
- Feeding off the compliments
- Manipulative nature, always blaming others
- Drastically fluctuating moods
- Not digesting constructive criticism
If someone meets most of the contents above and the signs worsen over time, they may have a narcissistic personality disorder. But the good thing is that the disorder can be dealt with. The only complex part is the acknowledgment of the condition. Let’s check some of the ways narcissism can be treated.
1. Learn to Listen
This is one of the most challenging parts. Narcissistic partners will always turn their attention back to themselves without showing concern or courtesy for what is being told to them. In that case, they should start focusing on the things being said by their partners, should try to ask questions regarding the said topic, express emotions accordingly, and refrain from changing the subject.
2. Acknowledging Feelings
Acknowledgment is another crucial factor when taking care of narcissistic behavior. Acknowledgment of one’s own emotions and feelings is essential. No matter the situation, practicing staying in the moment and handling one emotion at a time should be the course of action.
3. See the Positive Side
Lack of positivity is another major characteristic of narcissism. To overcome this habit, starting to take alternative approaches toward the things they learn might help. Perceive things from a different angle than they usually do. Keeping personal feelings aside and being considerate toward the struggles of others will be helpful.
4. Accountability
Taking responsibility for their actions is another hard pill to swallow for narcissists. Someone who is suffering from NPD disorder should try to take ownership of what they said and did. The best way to do that is by apologizing whenever wrong. By apologizing, they will develop humility and learn to forget and forgive.
5. Consider Therapy
All the said treatments are not easy to follow independently for someone struggling with the disorder since the hard part is acknowledging the toxic behavior. It’s better to consult a specialist to plan a thorough treatment where the consultant will diagnose, guide, and treat you appropriately. Developing a mindful perspective is essential to living a happier, healthier life and keeping the relationship strong and long-lasting.
Dr. Beth Gineris, a certified psychologist and intuitive therapist, constructed a step-by-step guide in her new book, Turning ME to WE: The Art of Partnering with Mindfulness, for people experiencing the disorder or facing a partner with the condition. The book sheds light on balancing relationships by avoiding toxicity and escaping a narcissistic environment. This is an excellent source of treatment for a person suffering from the disorder and will help in setting goals and determining red flags in the relationships.
