10 Signs Your Partner is a Narcissist

Being with someone who has narcissistic traits feels like being in a whirlwind. You’re pulled in by their charm, but then you’re hit with emotional chaos you didn’t sign up for. I’ve been there, trust me. Caught between the high of his attention and the low of his manipulation.

At first, everything felt perfect. He was confident, charming, and made me feel special. But slowly, things started to shift. At first, I didn’t know what to call it. I just felt… off. Like something wasn’t right, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

If you’re in a relationship and something feels wrong, I want to share what I’ve learned. The signs I missed. The red flags that I ignored. If you spot them early, you’ll have a better shot at avoiding the emotional rollercoaster.

So, here’s a rundown of the signs that someone might be a narcissist. If any of these sound familiar, listen to your gut.

1. He’s Obsessed with Himself

At first, his self-confidence was attractive. He seemed like he had everything together. But the more we talked, the more I realized it wasn’t confidence—it was obsession.

He would talk and talk about himself. His job. His dreams. His opinions. It was like being stuck in a conversation with a mirror. If I shared anything, it barely got a reaction.

I started to feel invisible. Like I wasn’t even part of the conversation.

2. He Lacks Empathy

This one hurt the most. I opened up about personal stuff, hoping for some support. Instead, he’d brush it off or make sarcastic comments.

When I needed comfort, I didn’t get it. And when he did pretend to care, it felt like he was just going through the motions. It wasn’t real.

If it didn’t affect him, it didn’t matter.

3. He Craves Constant Validation

He needed to hear how great he was, all the time. At first, I didn’t mind giving compliments. But then it felt like nothing I said was enough.

If I didn’t notice a new outfit or a fresh haircut, he’d get upset. He needed praise, and if I didn’t give it, he’d find it somewhere else.

Social media became his main source of validation. It felt like I was competing for his attention. It was exhausting.

4. He Manipulates Situations to Suit Himself

This was tricky because it was so subtle at first. He’d twist situations to get his way. For example, he’d guilt me into canceling plans with my friends, even though we’d spent the whole weekend together.

And if I disagreed? He’d turn it around and make me feel like I was the problem. It was confusing. I found myself apologizing when I wasn’t even sure what I was sorry for.

5. He Struggles with Criticism

Giving him even the tiniest bit of feedback felt like walking on eggshells. I remember telling him his tone was a bit rude to a waiter.

Instead of hearing me out, he lashed out. He turned it into an attack on me. Suddenly, I was the one in the wrong.

It wasn’t just about this one thing. Criticism, no matter how gentle, would always spark a huge reaction. It was exhausting.

6. He Has a Sense of Entitlement

He acted like the world should revolve around him. His needs came first. Period.

If I was busy, it didn’t matter. If he needed something, I had to drop everything. And if I didn’t? He’d get upset.

It wasn’t selfish in his eyes. It was just the way things were supposed to be.

7. He Plays the Victim Card

Oh, this one drove me crazy. No matter what happened, he was always the victim.

If something went wrong, he’d twist the story and make it seem like he was the one being wronged. He never took responsibility for his actions.

And if I pointed it out? Suddenly, I was the problem.

8. He Love-Bombs, Then Withdraws

In the beginning, it felt like a fairytale. Grand gestures. Compliments. Attention. It was all so overwhelming, but in a good way.

But then, it would disappear. He’d pull back, and I’d be left craving that same attention.

I’d find myself trying to get back to that version of him, the one who made me feel special. But it wasn’t real. It was manipulation. He gave me just enough to keep me hooked, then withdrew it when he knew I needed it most.

9. He Gaslights You

This is one I didn’t even recognize at first. He’d say things that didn’t make sense, or twist facts to make me doubt my memory.

I’d question myself. “Did that really happen?” “Am I just overreacting?” But I wasn’t. He was just good at making me second-guess myself.

If you feel like you’re losing your grip on reality or constantly questioning what’s true, it’s a sign of gaslighting.

10. He Doesn’t Apologize. Ever.

When he hurt me, it was never his fault. He’d never apologize. Instead, he’d shift the blame onto me.

If he did say sorry, it felt empty. Like he was just doing it to keep the peace. There was no genuine remorse.

A real apology requires understanding and taking responsibility. But with him? It was always someone else’s fault.

A Final Thought

If any of these signs hit home, you’re not alone. Recognizing these behaviors is the first step in taking back control.

You don’t deserve to feel like you’re walking on eggshells, questioning your worth. You deserve love that’s real. Love that makes you feel safe, seen, and heard.

Trust yourself. Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.