Narcissism

10 Ways Dating A Narcissist Destroys You Little By Little

If you feel like you're being made to doubt your sanity by your partner, even though you know you're not to blame, it could be a sign that your partner is a narcissist. In addition to this, there are 10 other ways in which a narcissist can cause you harm.

1. They trash your confidence

Narcissists often use a common tactic of initially praising you to build you up, only to later criticize you or treat you poorly in order to tear you down. By alternating between building you up and breaking you down, they can create a situation in which you become dependent on them. Eventually, your confidence and self-worth can take a hit due to this constant emotional rollercoaster.

2. They make you feel unsure

Trying to anticipate your partner's moods and actions can feel impossible, akin to relying on a mood ring and psychic to predict the future. This unpredictability is a tactic narcissists use to keep you off balance, ensuring they retain control. The anxiety and stress caused by this constant uncertainty are not worth it in the end.

3. They make you feel guilty

When you place your trust in someone and they repeatedly tell you that you were in the wrong, even if they were the ones who said hurtful things to you, you may start to feel guilty or question your own character. It's important to remember that this is a tactic of gaslighting, which narcissists use to exert control over others. You are not at fault, and their behavior is a reflection of their own sick intentions.

4. They riddle you with confusion

Narcissists often use charm to win you over when you first meet them. They aim to weave themselves into your life and heart. However, as time goes on, their true colors begin to show, leaving you feeling confused and off-balance. This is all part of their plan to keep you feeling unsettled, which can take a toll on your emotional well-being. In short, their actions can be incredibly damaging to your overall sense of well-being.

5. They make you feel like you don't matter

Narcissists exhibit clear signs of selfishness through their actions. They tend to dominate conversations and always make themselves the center of attention, even when you have something important or amusing to share with them. Over time, this behavior can make you feel insignificant and unimportant. The relationship can become entirely one-sided, where their needs and wants always take precedence over yours.

6. They put you down

One of the troubling aspects of dealing with narcissists is that they take pleasure in causing you pain. They derive a sense of power and control from seeing you hurt. If they put you down or make you feel bad, they might try to pass it off as a joke, leaving you confused and uncertain about what's really going on. This further exacerbates the negative impact of their behavior on your emotional well-being.

7. They give you relationship insecurity

It's unlikely that you'll feel truly happy and fulfilled in a relationship with a narcissist. In addition to the behaviors we've already discussed, narcissists are known for avoiding any kind of commitment or defining the relationship (DTR). They prefer to keep their partners guessing and crave attention from multiple sources, not just one person. This approach allows them to maintain their sense of power and control while keeping their options open. Unfortunately, this leaves you feeling uncertain and unfulfilled in the relationship.

8. They make you feel frazzled

Dating a narcissist can be extremely stressful. They constantly seek attention and validation, often at the expense of your own needs and priorities. They may even interrupt important tasks or pull you away from other obligations to prove that they are the most important person in your life. Over time, this behavior can leave you feeling stretched thin, exhausted, and pulled in different directions. It's clear that this kind of stress is unnecessary and undesirable in any relationship.

9. You can't do anything right

Another way a narcissist can make you feel insignificant is by blaming you for everything that goes wrong. Even when you go out of your way to help them, they may still find fault with your efforts and accuse you of not doing enough. They may drain you of your resources and then act as if you never helped them in the first place. The reality is that nothing is ever enough for a narcissist. It's unfair for you to feel undervalued and unappreciated in this way.

10. They make you fall in love

Falling under the influence of a narcissist can happen to anyone, regardless of their intelligence or intuition. They have a way of making you feel special and loved, but in reality, they only see you as a pawn to use for their own purposes. They may initially charm and flatter you, but this is just a way to manipulate you into giving them what they want. It's important to recognize that narcissists are not capable of genuine love or empathy. If you notice any narcissistic traits in your partner, it's best to end the relationship as soon as possible to avoid being hurt in the long run.