Dating a narcissist can be a rollercoaster of emotions, with highs and lows that can wreak havoc on your mental and emotional health. It’s important to remember that a narcissist is not necessarily a bad person, but they may require extra patience, effort, and understanding on the part of the person they’re dating to make the relationship work.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what type of person you are dealing with. Research narcissistic personality disorder to get an idea of the typical behaviors common to the disorder, such as having a grandiose sense of self-importance, an intense need for admiration, and taking advantage of others. A narcissistic person tends to think of themselves before anyone else, so it’s important to be patient and understanding of that dynamic.
When on a date with a narcissist, be sure to express your own need for admiration as well. If you are feeling taken advantage of, take a step back and explain why their behavior is not acceptable. Avoid critical language, as the narcissist will take it very personally, and instead focus on using positive language to express how their behavior made you feel.
Be honest with yourself and with your narcissistic partner. Don’t pretend to be someone you are not, as the narcissist will eventually see through this. Know your own boundaries, and stick to them while communicating them clearly and calmly to the narcissist. Stand up for yourself, as the narcissist may expect you to constantly cater to their needs without giving anything in return.
Allow the narcissist to be accountable for their own feelings and actions, and be prepared to walk away if their behavior becomes too extreme. If the narcissist becomes emotionally or physically abusive, the relationship needs to end for your own safety and wellbeing.
Above all, remember that it’s okay to have needs, and it’s okay to express them to your partner. It’s also okay to end the relationship if it isn’t working. Dating a narcissist can be a tricky business, but by being patient and honest with yourself, you can learn a lot about yourself, your boundaries and needs, and can ultimately make the most out of a difficult situation.
