Psychologist claims these 4 signs can help you know if your partner is a narcissist

When it comes to dating or marriage, a person wants a partner who is a green flag. One would expect their better half to exhibit certain good qualities or traits that can create enhanced relationships. One of the negatives to avoid in a partner is that of narcissism. No one wants a partner who’s lauding himself or getting worked up by the slightest criticism. Dr. Ali Ajaz (@draliajaz), a consultant psychiatrist, shared a video with 4 ways to figure out whether you’re with a narcissistic partner. He mentioned that people with ADHD or autism and even others can easily fall into the trap of dating a narcissist without even knowing it but these signs can offer clarity. 

A narcissistic person is more self-centered and revolves around a well-created image of themselves, per Help Guide. They look up to their own selves and that comes in the way of their humane qualities. A narcissist is one who loves who and how they are and is not concerned with others. This eventually makes them arrogant people, lacking empathy which affects much of their lives, more importantly, their relationships. Such people can be manipulative and focus on their own interests in extreme ways. Hence, it’s best to steer clear of such partners. Dr. Ajaz noted 4 ways to spot a narcissistic partner easily. 

1. Being the one who apologizes all the time 

If you’re stuck with constantly saying sorry to make amends, your partner could be following a narcissistic pattern. Apologizing is mutual but if you’re always supposedly in the wrong, rethink the flow of your relationship. Dr. Ajaz pointed out that people with self-centered partners would often find themselves constantly apologizing because “it’s the only way to defuse tension in the relationship.” 

2. Always taking responsibility 

If you and your partner get in a tiff and you’re trying to always be the bigger person, there may be narcissism floating in your relationship. “You are expected to take responsibility for all the s*** that goes wrong but you are not allowed to take the credit for any of the success,” the psychiatrist highlighted. If there are more downs you’re fixing time and again, you might want to consider your partner’s character. 

3. Overwhelming negative emotions  

Your partner is supposed to make you feel happy and secure. However, if things are the opposite, you might be with a narcissistic person. Dr. Ajaz noted that if “your partner often evokes strong negative emotions in you which you have to internalize,” there are signs of a lack of empathy. These negatives could “breed discontent and resentment that you may not be able to express” towards your partner and it only goes downhill in the future.

4. Aggression toward suggestions or criticism 

It’s mutual for partners to rectify their better half’s mistakes or provide suggestions for personal and relationship growth. However, if your partner reacts aggressively or takes it in a negative manner, there could be narcissism breeding. Dr. Ajaz added that if you find your partner constantly criticizing you, they could be narcissists. 

The psychiatrist recommended steering clear from narcissistics. He also requested people who are in a relationship with such partners to seek help.

You can follow Dr. Ali Ajaz (@draliajaz) on Instagram for more content on psychology and relationships.