6 Red Flags That Your Partner Has Narcissistic Personality Disorder (3 of 4)

4. They Lack Meaningful, Long-Term Friendships 

Assessing your partner’s ability to maintain long-term friendships can reveal crucial insights into their personality. Narcissists often struggle in this area due to their inflated egos, which hinder genuine connections. Pay attention to how your partner speaks about their friends in their absence; if they habitually belittle or devalue them, it’s a concerning sign. Furthermore, narcissists grapple with boundaries, demanding control in every relationship. If they can’t dominate the dynamic, their interest wanes. It’s essential to inquire about their past relationships as well; numerous short-lived connections may signal a pattern of superficial interactions. By examining these aspects, you can gain a deeper understanding of your partner’s narcissistic tendencies and their capacity for meaningful, lasting relationships. 

5. They Gaslight You

Gaslighting, a potent tool of psychological manipulation frequently wielded by narcissists, empowers them through distortions of reality. Its insidious nature often makes it difficult for you to pick it up, leaving you second-guessing your emotions and perceptions. Instances of gaslighting may involve your partner adamantly denying prior conversations that clearly took place. They might dismiss your feelings in response to their hurtful actions, leaving you to question if perhaps you overreacted. This erosion of self-trust can lead to pervasive self-doubt, and you end up blaming yourself when arguments arise, and apologizing excessively, all while struggling to grasp the reasons behind these behaviors.