Can you feel it? That gnawing suspicion that your spouse’s behavior isn’t quite right? Their excessive self-love and lack of empathy are tearing your heart into pieces, and you keep wondering, “Am I married to a narcissist?”
This turmoil of emotions can feel disheartening. Is there something wrong with me? Why is he/she treating me so badly? Am I not worthy?
But it is not you. It is them. Chances are you are married to a Narcissist. if you experience some of the following signs, it is quite likely you are married to a Narcissist.
#1 Feeling Ignored
You often feel overlooked or ignored, as if your feelings or opinions don’t matter.
If you often find yourself feeling brushed aside or dismissed in your relationship, you may be dealing with a narcissistic partner. They may belittle your thoughts or experiences, making you feel your input doesn’t matter.
This can be subtle, like changing the subject when you’re speaking, or overtly mocking your ideas. They might even portray you as oversensitive if you express discomfort with their behavior.
This pattern of dismissal can lead to feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness.
#2 Unilateral Decision-Making
Your spouse tends to make all the decisions, large or small, without considering or asking your opinion.
In a healthy relationship, decisions are typically made together, but when you’re married to a narcissist, you may find they’re always calling the shots without seeking your input.
You might notice they often disregard your opinion and make major decisions, like purchasing a car or planning vacations, without discussing it with you.
They may even make small decisions, like what to eat for dinner or what movie to watch, without considering your preferences.
This unilateral decision-making isn’t about efficiency. It’s about control. They’re asserting their dominance, clarifying that your thoughts and feelings don’t factor into their choices.
#3 Frequent Devaluation
You often face criticism or belittling comments about your abilities, appearance, or achievements.
You may often find yourself on the receiving end of harsh criticism or belittling comments about your abilities, appearance, or achievements when married to a narcissist. This devaluation process is a classic narcissistic strategy to undermine your self-esteem.
It might be subtle, like a snide remark about your cooking or a depreciative comment about your outfit.
Sometimes, it’s more overt, like outrightly ridiculing your professional accomplishments. These constant put-downs aren’t reflections of your worth, but rather, a narcissist’s desperate attempt to feel superior.
It’s vital to remember this isn’t about your shortcomings, it’s about their insecurities.
#4 Emotional Manipulation
You find yourself frequently manipulated into feeling guilty or responsible for your spouse’s emotions or problems.
While battling the constant devaluation, another troubling sign of a narcissistic marriage is finding yourself frequently manipulated into feeling guilty or responsible for your spouse’s emotions or problems.
This manipulation often manifests subtly. You may feel obligated to soothe their anger, calm their anxieties, or fix their mistakes.
And when you can’t? They’ll make you feel like it’s your fault. You’re the one who’s not understanding, not patient enough, not supportive enough.
They twist situations to make you the villain and them the victim. You’re left carrying a burden of guilt and responsibility that isn’t yours to bear.
This emotional manipulation is a classic tactic narcissists use to maintain control and avoid taking responsibility for their actions.
#5 Lack of Support
Your achievements or successes are rarely celebrated or, worse, overshadowed by their exploits or achievements.
Your accomplishments often go unnoticed or are blatantly overshadowed by your spouse’s achievements or exploits.
Instead of celebrating your successes, your partner may turn the spotlight back onto themselves, dismissing the importance of your achievements. You might find your victories becoming mere footnotes to their often exaggerated tales of grandeur.
This lack of support and recognition can leave you feeling undervalued, as if your efforts and triumphs are insignificant. The imbalance can breed resentment and erode your self-esteem.
If you’re consistently feeling overshadowed or neglected in your relationship, it’s a sign you might be married to a narcissist. Don’t dismiss your feelings, they’re your compass guiding you towards self-respect and well-being.
#6 Constant Need for Admiration
Your spouse consistently seeks praise or validation yet rarely returns such affirmations.
In a relationship with a narcissist, it’s common to notice a constant demand for admiration and validation from your partner. They’re ever eager for your praise, always thirsty for your compliments. They thrive on your admiration, feeding off your validation like a life source.
But when it’s your turn for applause, they’re often nowhere to be found. It’s as if your achievements, your need for validation, simply don’t exist. This can leave you feeling unseen, unappreciated, and questioning your worth.
While you quickly acknowledge their successes, they’re typically slow to return the favor. It’s a draining, one-sided dynamic that can leave you feeling emotionally depleted.
#7 Gaslighting
You’re regularly made to question your own beliefs, memories, or perception of events.
Gaslighting may have you regularly doubting your own beliefs, memories, and even your perception of reality. Narcissists often use this psychological manipulation tactic to make you question your sanity.
You’re constantly second-guessing yourself as they subtly alter facts or deny events ever occurred. For instance, they may insist an argument you vividly recall never happened, leaving you feeling confused and disoriented.
You find yourself walking on eggshells, constantly checking your recollections. The objective is clear: they want control over your thoughts and actions.
This can lead to a sense of helplessness, making you more dependent on them for what’s real and what’s not. Don’t ignore these signs and seek help if you’re experiencing gaslighting.
#8 One-Sided Conversations
Many conversations seem to revolve around them, their day, their interests, and their experiences.
Besides the manipulation tactics like gaslighting, you might also notice that your conversations with your spouse are usually focused solely on them, their day, their interests, and their experiences. They’ll center themselves in every dialogue, with little interest in your thoughts or feelings.
You may find yourself listening more than speaking, nodding along as they monopolize the conversation. They’re not just sharing, but dominating, turning every topic back to themselves. This isn’t about mutual exchange, but a stage for them to shine.
They might disregard or invalidate your contributions if you attempt to shift the focus. This pattern of one-sided conversations can be subtle yet damaging, eroding your sense of worth and voice in the relationship.
#9 Feelings of Isolation
You may feel your spouse tries to isolate you from close friends or relatives in an attempt to control your social interactions.
Feeling increasingly isolated from your close friends or relatives could be another sign you’re dealing with a narcissistic spouse. Gradually, you might notice your social network shrinking without a concrete reason.
It’s as if your spouse is subtly steering you away from those who care about you. You might even feel guilt or apprehension about contacting loved ones, fearing your spouse’s reaction.
This isolation isn’t accidental. It’s a classic tactic narcissists use to increase their influence over you. When you’re isolated, you’re more vulnerable to their views and less likely to challenge them.
#10 Controlling Behavior
Your spouse often exhibits controlling behaviors and may even monitor your movements or communications.
In a narcissistic marriage, you may find your spouse excessively controlling, often dictating your daily routine or even monitoring your personal communications.
They may scrutinize your phone calls, text messages, and emails under the guise of ‘caring’ or ‘protecting’ you. This type of behavior isn’t about love or concern; it’s about control. It’s their way of keeping tabs on you and maintaining a sense of power.
They may also decide on your behalf – where you go, who you see, what you wear.
They might even manipulate your relationships, making it difficult for you to spend time with family or friends. This controlling behavior is a clear sign you’re dealing with a narcissist, and it’s important to recognize it for what it is.
#11 Intense Jealousy
Your spouse demonstrates outsized jealousy or possessiveness, potentially accusing you of unfaithfulness without cause.
If your spouse constantly wears the green-eyed monster, accusing you of infidelity without reason and demonstrating excessive jealousy or possessiveness, you might be dealing with a narcissist.
This intense jealousy isn’t about love, it’s about control. They’re not protecting the relationship, they’re safeguarding their ego.
Unfounded accusations can often stem from their own insecurities or guilt. You may constantly defend your actions, even when you’ve done nothing wrong. Even casual interactions with others may trigger their suspicions.
#12 Lack of Empathy
Your spouse struggles to show genuine empathy or concern for your feelings, problems, or experiences.
When your spouse consistently fails to demonstrate genuine empathy or concern for your feelings, problems, or experiences, it could be a clear sign of narcissism.
You might find that they dismiss your feelings or belittle your problems as trivial. Perhaps they rarely ask about your day, or they seem uninterested when you talk about your own experiences.
It’s as if your world revolves around theirs, and your emotions are a mere afterthought. This lack of empathy isn’t only hurtful but deeply damaging to your relationship and self-esteem. You’re left feeling unheard, invalidated, and unimportant.
#13 Playing the Victim
Even if they’re at fault, your spouse has a way of twisting things around so that they’re the victim and you’re in the wrong.
Mastering the art of playing the victim, your spouse may adeptly turn situations around, making themselves appear as the aggrieved party, even when they’re clearly in the wrong.
This could be a sign that you’re married to a narcissist. They’re expert manipulators, deflecting blame and twisting narratives to their advantage.
If you’ve noticed that they never accept fault or always seem to be the victim regardless of the circumstances, be wary. This behavior isn’t just frustrating; it’s a form of emotional abuse designed to keep you questioning your perception of reality.
Final Words
If you’re experiencing these signs, you might be married to a narcissist. Recognize these tactics for what they are – manipulative and controlling.
Taking care of yourself, seeking support, and considering professional help is essential. You deserve respect, empathy, and a partner who values you.
Knowledge is power – the first step towards change is recognizing the problem.
