Psychologist Reveals 3 Warning Signs Narcissists Say – Does Your Partner Do Them Too?
MANY people are occasionally guilty of saying things they don't mean when they have a disagreement with their partner.
However, a psychologist has warned that there are telltale phrases that could indicate your partner is a narcissist or has narcissistic tendencies.
The expert said that in moments of conflict, you should pay attention to these important statements because they could indicate that your partner possesses the unpleasant personality trait.
According to the May Clinic in the US, narcissists tend to have an unreasonably high sense of self-importance.
They tend to demand too much attention and want people to admire them, while often being unable to understand or understand the feelings of others.
This can have a negative effect on their partners, who are more likely to suffer from mental health problems as a result of the emotionally abusive relationship.
Psychotherapist Erin Leonard said the three phrases are “seemingly harmless,” but you may want to think about an “exit strategy” if you hear them constantly.
So what should you pay attention to?
“I'm sorry you feel that way.”
Erin prescribed Psychology today: “Instead of the partner putting themselves in your shoes to try to understand how you feel, they immediately dismiss your feeling and label it as 'your'.”
She claims the statement is “anti-emphatic” and that the person saying it may not be interested in finding out where you come from.
Instead of saying, “I'm sorry you feel this way,” a more empathetic response might be, “I'm not sure why you're upset, but I want to understand,” or similar phrases that say “your feelings honor'.
'You have anger problems'
Another red flag is if your partner immediately blames you for a conflict.
She said: “Being unfairly attacked when you are not the one who made the mistake can be maddening. It is normal to be upset in this situation.”
She added that a narcissist will take advantage of this and accuse you of “getting out of control.”
However, they may be the angry ones.
What is a narcissist?
According to the Mayo Clinic, patients can:
- Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
- Feeling entitled and requiring constant, excessive admiration
- Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements to justify it
- Exaggerate achievements and talents
- Be preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, genius, beauty, or the perfect partner
- Believe that they are superior and can only deal with equally special people
- Monopolize conversations and belittle or look down on people they consider inferior
- Take advantage of others to get what they want
- Having an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others
- Be jealous of others and believe that others are jealous of them
- Act in an arrogant or haughty manner and appear conceited, boastful, and pretentious
'You ruined it'
The third phrase to look out for is “you screwed up,” because it can be an attempt to “inflict guilt.”
Erin explained, “They may also refuse to talk to you or act like they are 'mortally injured.'
“Either way, they are communicating to you that you should not confront them or express a feeling in the relationship that they don't like.”
She emphasized the importance of discussing issues in a relationship as this can maintain trust.
The psychotherapist added that being “punished” for trying to deal with a “problem” could indicate that your partner is “incapable of resolving conflict.”