Narcissist Test: Does My Partner Have Narcissistic Traits?
Imagine a scenario where you've been in a relationship with someone new for about five months. The beginning was incredibly positive. They went out of their way to make you feel exceptional with attention and kind words.
But recently, things have started to change. You've noticed how much your partner wants to talk about themselves and tends to dominate the conversation. The compliments you once received are now being replaced with criticisms. They believe themselves to be the most intelligent person present in any given space and do not react kindly when confronted about their actions.
What is narcissism?
Narcissism is a psychological trait or personality disorder that is characterized by excessive self-importance, a strong desire for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. People with narcissistic traits often show an inflated ego, an exaggerated sense of entitlement, and a tendency to control others to satisfy their needs and desires. They may also strive to make honest and deep relationships as they focus on themselves. It's also important to mention that narcissism exists on a spectrum that ranges from mild traits to a more severe narcissistic personality disorder.
To meet the clinical criteria for narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR), one must fulfill a minimum of five of the nine listed criteria.
This quiz will focus on warning signs rather than the criteria needed to qualify as a medical diagnosis. These warning signs aren’t exclusive to someone with NPD – anyone can display one or a few of these tendencies.
Here are some of the primary signs that your partner either displays narcissistic tendencies or has NPD:
Love bombing
During the early stages of your relationship, you might have received affection, compliments, and perhaps extravagant presents or trips. This abundance of attention might have felt almost unreal, and there's a reason for that – love bombing can be a strategy for manipulation.
Short-term friends
Narcissists have difficulty creating and maintaining long-term relationships. This is due to their early childhood experiences, where they learned that love is conditional and must be earned. Therefore, narcissists build shallow and transactional relationships with their friends and partners that are unstable and short-term.
Grandiose sense of self
A narcissistic individual tends to dominate conversations. They often show greater enthusiasm for discussing their own experiences than they do for being curious about others' experiences.
Picking on you
A narcissist’s self-image usually depends on feeling superior to others. It can lead to the narcissist actively trying to lessen your self-esteem. They may begin picking on you for things such as your fashion or your hobbies. People in relationships with narcissists often see themselves changing their behaviors to avoid criticism from their partners.
Who is this quiz designed for?
The purpose of this quiz is to assist individuals who are curious about narcissism and whether their partner exhibits any narcissistic traits.
The statements included in this quiz help you answer questions such as:
- Am I dating a narcissist?
- How can I tell if my partner is a narcissist?
- What are the warning signs of narcissism?
- What is the difference between narcissistic tendencies and Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Is this quiz accurate?
This quiz helps you recognize the common signs of narcissism so you can determine if your partner displays any of these. This quiz is not intended to advise you on how to deal with a narcissistic partner. It's important to remember that you don't have to stay in an unhealthy relationship, even if your partner isn't a narcissist.
How can I know if I have narcissistic tendencies in a relationship?
Determining whether one displays narcissistic behavior within a relationship requires thorough consideration. Only a mental health expert can diagnose people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). However, you can evaluate your tendencies based on NPD criteria. Remember that narcissistic traits can manifest without necessarily having an NPD, which can result in unintentional narcissistic actions.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can offer you valuable insights into your behavior. If you still have concerns about displaying narcissistic tendencies, reaching out to a qualified mental health professional for help can be advantageous.
Final words
In conclusion, a narcissist test can help determine if your partner displays narcissistic traits. Recognizing these signs and understanding how they can impact your relationship is important. If your partner is a narcissist, seek help from professionals and learn how to deal with their behavior. Keep in mind that you deserve to be in a healthy and supportive relationship.
