Ever looked into the mirror with your partner standing next to you and wondered, “Why is it that only one of us is staring at their own reflection like it’s a long-lost twin?”
Well, you guessed it. We’re diving into the world of narcissism.
Now, I get it. You’ve got questions like, is your partner actually a Greek myth come to life? Or are they just super into themselves?
Try not to break your head (or your mirror) over it because we’ve got your back.
Introducing the ultimate “am I dating a narcissist quiz.”
Narcissism isn’t a fancy word to throw around at dinner parties to sound like you’ve got a psychology degree.
It’s a legit personality disorder that can turn your love life into a real-life horror movie—minus the popcorn and fun.
So if you’re sitting there questioning if your love story is more of a “me, myself, and I” saga rather than a “happily ever after,” you must take this quiz.
Seriously, stop what you’re doing. Take a moment to uncover the truth.
Take the “Narcissist Quiz” by clicking the button below to determine if your love life is a dream or nightmare in disguise!
But if you want to learn more about narcissism in a relationship, keep reading on!
Table of Contents
Key takeaways
- Gradual changes in behavior, manipulation tactics, and self-centered conversations. These are the top 3 red flags of narcissistic partners.
- Narcissism looks slightly different in men and women. But, mental disorders should never be ignored regardless of gender.
- Take our Narcissist Quiz to gain insight into your relationship. Pave the path to recovery!
How accurate is the “am I dating a narcissist” quiz?
The “Am I Dating A Narcissist Quiz” is a helpful starting point. You’ll better understand whether your relationship is as rocky as you think.
More importantly, you’ll have a clearer idea if it should be taken for a medical diagnosis or a narcissist test.
In our quiz, you may find potential narcissistic traits in your partner. However, this is not a substitute for mental health treatment or consultation.
Contact a qualified mental health professional whenever you feel your health is at risk.
Dating a narcissist can be risky. Toxic relationships affect your emotional well-being.
If you notice signs of narcissistic abuse, it’s worth reaching out to one of the following people for support:
- Mental health professional
- Relationship coach
- Couples counselor
The quiz results will offer guidance. But your own feelings and mental health always come first when dealing with potential personality disorders like narcissism.
What it means to have a narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition. It’s characterized by a few things:
- Grandiose sense of self
- Lack of emotional intelligence
- Manipulative behaviors and tendencies
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) was the first to acknowledge narcissism as a mental health condition.
Severe narcissism could also be a sign of a mental illness.
Narcissists come in three distinct types:
- Grandiose narcissists: Those with a conceited sense of self-importance. They have a strong need for admiration.
- Vulnerable narcissists: People who are easily hurt because they have fragile egos and low self-esteem. All criticism and feedback are taken personally.
- Communal narcissists: On the surface, these types of people are caring. However, they have a hidden agenda for themselves. This is typically to gain admiration and control.
Some narcissistic traits are common in mental health disorders. A few examples include feeling entitled and a lack of empathy.
Are narcissistic tendencies normal?
It’s not unusual for people to display narcissistic traits. We all get an inflated ego now and then.
Let’s say you accomplish something 10 times faster than you expected. You may feel a grandiose sense of self-worth, even for just a moment.
Others may express themselves more bluntly. They’ll feel like they need to be admired by others for how great they believe they are.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting some form of attention. It’s just that maintaining an equilibrium between healthy self-esteem and excessive admiration is key.
Otherwise, it can damage relationships with friends and family members.
When narcissism becomes extreme and a regular occurrence, it can signal Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).
Top 3 red flags of a narcissistic partner in relationships
Here are the top 3 red flags of a narcissistic partner in relationships:
- Initial charm and gradual change
- Manipulation tactics
- Self-centered conversations
Navigating troubled relationships can be challenging, especially when dealing with a partner showing narcissistic traits.
If in doubt, look out for the red flags we’ll discuss below. Recognizing these patterns early on in the relationship or talking stage can save you from going on a downward spiral.
1. Initial charm and gradual change
A narcissistic partner may dazzle you with their charm and attentiveness. At least only at the beginning of a relationship or when you’re only just starting to get to know each other.
As time passes, you might notice a gradual shift in their behavior. This could include the following:
- Arrogant attitude
- Dismissing your emotional needs
- Inflated sense of importance
The gradual shift in behavior isn’t that they’re becoming someone different. It means they’re revealing their true colors.
If you ever thought, “damn, this person is too good to be true,” you’re probably right.
This thought alone could be an early warning sign of a narcissistic relationship.
So, observe how your partner’s behavior could be changing over time. Listen to your gut instinct and speak to long-term friends you trust for a non-biased perspective.
2. Manipulation tactics
Notice any controlling behavior? It’s a toxic sign of a narcissist.
Manipulation tactics are nothing new to narcissists. They’ll use various methods of control to make you do their bidding.
Whatever a narcissistic partner likes, they’ll do all it takes to attain their desires.
A narcissist may resort to asserting their dominance in relationships. They love to feel superior. So, making their partners emotionally dependent on them is quite common.
Narcissistic people may also belittle their partners to reiterate that they deserve special treatment.
Those who are partners to people with narcissistic personality disorder often feel worthless.
Here are some common manipulation tactics:
- Excessive self-image
- Constant need for admiration
- Sense of entitlement
- Overly critical behavior
- Extreme jealousy
- History of failed relationships
3. Self-centered conversations
Unlimited success and attention are at the heart of a narcissist. In fact, narcissists are in a strong and rigid pursuit of status. This was argued in a report by NCBI.
Each conversation implies a sense of entitlement. They always talk about themselves.
Others barely have the chance to express their thoughts or feelings because the narcissist is always leading the conversations.
The root of narcissistic relationships is an emotional imbalance. Before all else, the narcissist’s needs come first.
A narcissist wants to ensure everything’s about them. For this to happen, they may even attempt to isolate their partners. Meaning they’ll cut off all external sources of support. This also explains why they have a lack of empathy.
Is narcissism different in a man and a woman?
The core traits remain the same. Narcissism reveals itself through both the masculine and feminine energies. It’s mostly shown through dominant behaviors.
However, the symptoms may manifest differently in men and women.
For men, this could include being physically aggressive and emotionally abusive. In contrast, it could mean being controlling and manipulative for women. The signs vary from person to person.
What to do when you notice narcissistic behavior in a partner
Being with a narcissistic partner is emotionally draining. Here are a few things you should do as soon as possible:
- Establish clear boundaries
- Stand your ground
- Consult with an expert
Both steps will safeguard your emotional well-being.
Establish clear boundaries
Setting boundaries immediately is crucial. Express your needs and expectations to your partner clearly.
Open communication is key. Be receptive to hearing your partner’s perspective. Engaging in serious conversations like this can feel challenging, but it’s essential for drawing the line in your relationship.
Establishing your boundaries allows you to do the following:
- Protect your freedom
- Preserve your individuality
- Safeguard your emotional well-being
Stand your ground
Don’t be afraid to stand your ground. Failing to stand up for yourself means letting your partner take advantage of you.
Let your partner know when their behavior is unacceptable. Make it clear what you’re not happy with and mention what they’re doing that upsets you.
However, you should still offer words of encouragement to show them you care.
If they ignore your needs and continue to cross the line, it’s a sign that they don’t care about you as much as you care about them.
Seek support from an expert coach or therapist
If the narcissistic tendencies are getting out of hand, consider professional support.
Seeking help from a qualified intimacy coach or therapist can free you from the depths of a toxic relationship.
A mental health professional will guide you to navigate complex relationship dynamics. They’ll also provide emotional support and share skills or techniques to improve your situation.
Deciding whether to stay or leave a narcissistic relationship
The most crucial factor to consider is your happiness. Is your health and freedom at risk because of your partner’s narcissistic traits?
Have an honest conversation with yourself. Self-reflection is essential for evaluating the state of your relationship.
Has it gone on for too long, or is it still possible to repair the relationship? Do the consequences of one option outweigh the other?
Ultimately, deciding to stay or leave depends on how much the relationship affects your happiness. What matters most is your well-being.
Healing from a narcissistic relationship
It is achievable to recover from a narcissistic relationship. Here are a few steps to take into account:
- Get professional help from an expert who can help you process your emotions and relationship trauma
- Self-reflect through journaling or meditation to understand yourself better
- Practice self-care and surround yourself with a supportive circle to rebuild your self-esteem
The process of rebuilding your sense of self-worth and confidence is paramount to healing yourself. It can be a long, painful process. Take things one step at a time at your own pace because there’s no rush.
Recovering from sexual trauma and a toxic past sets the foundation for healthier future relationships.
Next steps: take the ‘am I dating a narcissist’ quiz
Now, you’ve armed yourself with the basic details on what a narcissistic partner looks like.
But it’s time to put that knowledge to the test. Take my “Am I Dating A Narcissist Quiz” now. It’s not just another quiz, it’s your fast track to clarity in your love life.
You owe it to yourself to prioritize your emotional health, draw some hard lines, and reach out for help when you need it.
Why? Because you’re not here to settle—you’re here to thrive in a relationship that truly nourishes you.
So, go ahead. Click on that quiz and find out what’s really going on in your relationship!
FAQs
How do I know if I’m dating a narcissist?
A narcissistic partner will display a lack of empathy, an unrealistic sense of entitlement, and arrogance. They always want to be the center of attention in every social situation.
Exploiting others for their own gain is common. Talking about delusions related to power and success is also common.
Before any of these signs, you might already be able to tell through instinct.
What are the red flags of a narcissist?
Expecting special treatment from everyone. Being condescending toward others to make themselves feel good.
Downplaying people’s feelings and making people feel insignificant. They may even resort to emotional abuse to maintain their sense of superiority.
What is the smile test for narcissists?
The smile test is meant to help you determine whether someone is a narcissistic person or not.
When the suspected narcissist asks you for a favor, simply smile at them. Then, confidently say no while holding strong eye contact. From there, see how they react.
What do narcissists do in relationships?
Narcissists prioritize their own feelings. Their partner’s needs come second. A narcissist will often neglect their partner’s emotions.
They crave attention and validation themselves. So, playing the victim card to win people’s sympathy is common.
They may also detach themselves and guilt-trip their partner to gain control of the relationship.
