8 Signs You May Be in a Relationship with a Narcissist

To have strong relationships is to know when you need to get out of an unhealthy one. If you feel like you may be in a toxic relationship with someone with narcissistic personality traits, you know all too well how painful it can be. They leave you feeling confused and broken. If you are in this type of situation, you probably already know you need to end it. Trust yourself. Here are some signs to look for.

1. They Become Angry When You Catch Them Lying and Shift the Blame

Even when presented with facts and truths they cannot dispute, you or someone else will be blamed. Narcissists make excuses for their lies or make themselves the victim, shifting the responsibility away from themselves. This is a common manipulative tactic called gaslighting.

2. They Accuse You of Their Own Behavior

Many gaslighters will accuse others of doing things they are actually doing, such as cheating or abusing alcohol or drugs. They are projecting their own behaviors onto you to distract from the real situation. It's a manipulative tactic used to put you into a tailspin.

3. Your Success Is Viewed as Competition

One of the goals of the narcissist is to keep you down and isolated. They don’t want you to shine. If you are successful, it's a sign to them that they have failed. In their mind, it means they aren't getting admiration or love. Some covert narcissists are good at hiding their jealousy.

4. You Doing What You Love Is Considered a Breach

Narcissists need everything to be about them and have a constant need for attention.You pursuing your goals, hopes, and dreams doesn't align with their need to always be number one. They believe the world revolves around them and everyone else is just living in it.

5. They Tell You That You Are the One with Drama

Narcissists will regularly accuse you of being overly dramatic as a way to manipulate you. It’s another form of abuse that is used to create confusion and anxiety so that you no longer trust yourself and you can’t discern what’s real or not. They are the ones creating drama behind the scenes because they crave excitement and the feeling of “winning.”

6. You Lose Yourself to Sustain the Relationship

You don’t know who you are anymore. You don’t recognize yourself anymore. These are signs that you need to remove yourself from the situation. It's a detriment to your soul if you stay. Seek professional counseling and consider an online self improvement course as tangible ways of picking yourself back up.

7. They Find Others Who Can Make Them Look Good to the Outside World

Narcissists are always seeking people who will align with them. They need these people to make them look like the “good one.” They are working on pitting these people against you, sometimes very subtly, whether it's a friend or family member or strangers. Sometimes those people don’t even know the narcissist is manipulating them.

8. They Tug on Your Heartstrings

Many narcissists are extremely charismatic and charming. They use their skills to “love bomb” you with compliments because they want something from you. When they see you are a soft-hearted person, they take advantage of this. Sometimes you don’t even know you are being manipulated until it’s too late and the narcissist has you wrapped in a trauma bond you can’t seem to get away from. Let a lifestyle coach help guide you on painting a clearer picture of who you really are and helping you set better boundaries.

About Nadia Khalil

On her personal growth platform, author Nadia Khalil offers a free seven-day Self-Discovery challenge and her Self Love Inner Quest Online Course. Nadia has 18 years of practical experience and is skilled at helping people figure out what’s holding them back and encouraging them to tap into their true potential. She believes everyone innately has the wisdom they need to live the life they’ve always dreamed about. Her down-to-earth teaching style and programs take people through a step-by-step transformation back to their souls. With Nadia’s guidance, everyone is capable of healing and learning more about themselves. Nadia Khalil is an international podcast host, renowned international speaker, and three-time book author.

Learn more about Nadia Khalil’s online courses and teachings at Nadiakhail.com