Whether you are still in a relationship with a Narcissist or have left such a relationship, do you recognise the signs of Narcissism or the narcissistic marriage problems you may be experiencing?
Narcissists are extremely insecure and therefore they not only expect but demand their partner’s full attention and admiration.
A Narcissist cannot recognise their partner’s achievements. They will either put down, undermine or make fun of their partner’s successes or will appear to be proud of their partner only to undermine their achievements later on.
Narcissists have a need to control.
This can be done in a variety of ways.
Examples of Narcissistic Behaviour to Control their Partners
- Ultimatums
- Love bombing
- Gifts, flowers, holidays, lunches and dinners out making their partner hold onto the relationship when being abuse
- Withholding finances or even car keys so their partner can not use the car
- Blocking them in the driveway so they cannot go to work if they are threatened by their partner earning more than them
Common Narcissistic Marriage Problems
Narcissists can go from being jealous of their child/children, and jealous of the time their child/children spend with the other parent because this is time taken from the Narcissist and it means the Narcissist is not the centre of attention.
Or the Narcissist can have a favourite child and will be obsessed with this child’s achievements and even live through this child.
Narcissists are great at taking credit for the success of their children and partner. They can’t allow their family members to enjoy their achievements without taking the attention away from their successes.
Narcissistic abuse is what separates such relationships from healthy relationships.
Narcissistic relationships include bullying, belittling, undermining, gaslighting, verbal and psychological abuse, blaming, coercion, intimidation, constant lying and deceit, addictions such as drug, sex, alcohol, gambling and or shopping addictions.
Narcissists are great at shaming and making a person feel guilty through emotional manipulation.
Narcissists are professional victims when you call them on their behaviour.
Immediately their behaviour is due to their partner’s reaction to their manipulation and or abuse.
Trying to get a Narcissist to take responsibility for their behaviour is like trying to nail jelly to a wall.
This leaves the partner feeling frustrated and powerless and second-guessing their reality. This is referred to as gaslighting.
Another form of gaslighting is seeking to have your feelings validated by the Narcissistic partner which will be met with denial and accusations.
No matter how smart a person considers themselves to be, they can still be fooled by the ways of a Narcissist.
It is not unusual for the partner to question how they didn’t see the Narcissist coming.
If you are experiencing these narcisstic marriage problems and want help getting out of the relationship, read this article on leaving a narcissistic relationship.
We hope this article helps with the topic on: Narcissistic Marriage Problems? If you believe you are in a relationship with a Narcissist and would like professional support, click here to book an appointment (online video counselling is available).
