Psychologists have shared warning signs that your ex-partner could be a narcissist.
The signs are related to your inability to commit, something people with this disorder are said to struggle with.
This is probably because they see themselves as hot commodities and have a plethora of romantic options, which leads to infidelity and a shorter relationship.
Studies have shown that narcissists carry out a one-sided dynamic in their relationships where they seek validation, admiration, and reassurance without offering anything in return.
Narcissists often struggle to maintain a committed relationship because they seek the constant thrill of finding a new partner and think they are more attractive to others.
Without the excitement that comes with finding a new partner, the narcissist feels incomplete and his overinflated ego could lead him to believe he is more desired than he really is, experts say.
According to a study published by the University of Georgia, “narcissists not only perceive that they have alternatives to their romantic relationship, but they actually report paying attention to and flirting with those alternatives.”
The study’s researchers theorized that one possibility is that the narcissist is always “looking for the best deal” and looking for a more attractive partner who they consider better than their current one.
Another possibility is that, because narcissists are constantly thrill-seeking, searching for another partner seems to fit the bill.
It gives them a rush of excitement that often diminishes when their new partner wants a closer, more personal connection.
It has also been suggested that the narcissist simply fears abandonment and wants to end the relationship before becoming too emotionally involved, thus exposing himself to being hurt.
A 2020 study Researchers from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands found a definitive link between narcissism and relationship dissatisfaction that often results in infidelity.
‘Narcissism is associated with poor relationship function, such as a lack of commitment in the relationship.low emotional intimacy and sexual aggression“, a greater interest in sexual processes and high levels of commitment to infidelity,” according to the study.
‘Narcissistic romantic partners are less faithful, less emotionally intimate, less inclined to link sex with intimacy, and eager to have multiple sexual partners..’
Other researchers have also found that narcissists tend to devalue their partners and consider themselves superior rather than showing appreciation for their many qualities and attributes.
In any quality relationship, there is give and take, and each person shows improvement in their partner, meaning they view their partner more positively than themselves.
Without this aspect of the relationship, narcissists view their partner in a negative light, causing discord and enmity that is often exposed through verbal or physical fights and conflicts.
They do not have the ability to celebrate their partner’s achievements, which creates an unfair relationship in which one person invests more than the other.
Some narcissists may view their partner’s successes as rivalry and may perceive their everyday interactions with them as more negative or accusatory, according to a study. study by Albright College in Pennsylvania.
“Narcissists tend to blame others for their problems and are especially sensitive to signs of rejection,” wrote the study’s lead author, Dr. Gwendolyn Seldman. Psychology today.
These types of people feel the need to be constantly validated and demand that their partner constantly attend to their ego.
“The improvement of the couple can prevent perceiving their intentions as mean or malevolent,” Anna Czarna and Magdalena Śmieja, co-authors of a study 2022 about narcissism and the improvement of the couple, told Forbes.
“Couples who show improvement in their partner deal more effectively with conflict, use less negative communication, and have greater relationship satisfaction,” they continued.
“These couples are also more likely to progress in commitment, moving from dating to engagement to marriage.”