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Narcissistic personality and relationship dynamics20 grudnia 2025 |
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental condition characterized by a persistent pattern of grandiosity in thought or behavior, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. People with this disorder often construct a false, idealized self-image to hide deep-rooted insecurity and low self-esteem. Narcissism exists on a spectrum - from mild self-centered traits to severe, pathological forms that make healthy relationships impossible.
The most noticeable trait is an inflated sense of self-importance - the belief that they are special and deserve special treatment. Narcissists also show a lack of empathy - meaning they are unwilling or unable to relate to others emotionally. They tend to be entitled, expecting others to fulfill their needs automatically. Envy and arrogance are also common. Narcissists are often jealous of others or believe others envy them. They're hypersensitive to criticism - even minor feedback can trigger rage or withdrawal.
Their behavior is often manipulative and focused on control. In social settings, they dominate conversations and redirect attention to themselves and their achievements. During conflicts, they rarely accept blame and often shift responsibility to others. Mood swings are common - depending on whether they feel admired or not. If admiration fades, they may become cold, aggressive, or passive-aggressive.
The language used by a narcissist often serves as a tool for gaslighting (distorting reality) and belittling others. The most common phrases used by narcissists include:
Narcissists frequently overuse pronouns such as "I," "me," and "mine" in conversation.
A narcissist’s relationship pattern often follows a cycle: idealization - devaluation - discard. In the idealization phase, the narcissist overwhelms their partner with compliments and attention, creating the illusion of a perfect match. Then comes devaluation, marked by criticism, emotional detachment, manipulation, and isolating the partner from loved ones. The partner is treated as a tool to fulfill the narcissist’s needs. The final phase is rejection, where the narcissist becomes indifferent, offering no emotional support - especially when the situation doesn’t affect them personally.