Understanding your self-absorbed or narcisstic partner by Michael Ruben, LICSW

We live in a society that promotes individualism.   Self-absorption has its roots both in her society and in our childhood experiences which may have been traumatic, depriving or overly indulgent. 

A narcisstic or self-absorbed partner can:

1.     Be dominating and often only talk about themselves

2.     Show little interest in their partner’s feelings or experiences

3.     Be somewhat self-centered and domineering

4.     Often refuse to apologize or acknowledge when they are wrong

5.     Seek constant praise and admiration

6.     Minimize their partner’s needs or desires

The effects on your relationship if your partner has these traits include:

1.      Feeling alone, lonely and neglected

2.     Increased risk for depression and isolation

3.     Trust, intimacy and communication breakdown in the relationship

4.     Resentment, fear or contempt

Counseling can help you

1.     Regain your self-esteem and self-confidence

2.     Help you establish healthy boundaries

3.     Decrease your unhealthy dependence

4.     Help you prioritize yourself and make positive choices