Narcissistic Marriage Problems

If you are married to a narcissist, then you know the toxic relationship and its effect on your mental health. A narcissist’s life revolves around self. They view love as transactional yet demand unconditional love from their spouse. This unbalanced view of marriage causes several narcissistic marriage problems.

Narcissistic Marriage Problems

Narcissistic problems in marriage carry a great deal of hurt, betrayal, and mistrust. Long-term exposure to narcissistic behavior can rob you of your confidence and self-worth. You cannot thrive as a human when someone else controls you or deprives you of basic needs.

According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (a pyramid displaying the most basic needs for humans to survive and thrive), physiological needs like food, water, shelter, clothing, and sleep must be met. Your health, property, family, and employment needs must be met for safety and security. Next on the hierarchy are love, self-esteem, and self-actualization. Narcissistic marriage problems cause a breakdown at the most basic levels of this pyramid.

The following are several signs of narcissistic marriage problems:

Controlling Behavior Your spouse controls your actions, decisions, and finances. They may also control what you wear, what you eat, and whether you work.

Jealous of Others Your spouse is highly jealous and may lash out if you speak to others. They may insist that you are not friends with anyone of the opposite sex on social media.

Gaslighting Your spouse may do or say things to hurt you and then twist them to imply that you are crazy. They may play the victim during a confrontation.

Isolation Your spouse distances you from your family and friends. Your spouse may lie to you about your loved ones, which makes you want to stay away from them.

Lacks Empathy Your spouse disregards your feelings. The world revolves around them, and they demand loyalty and unconditional love but cannot share those feelings.

Overly Critical Your spouse criticizes you for everything, hurling insults or backhanded compliments. You walk on eggshells because you dread making a mistake.

Large Ego Your spouse has an overly inflated ego. If their ego is in danger, they become defensive at the drop of a hat. They have a grandiose sense of self-importance and need people to adore or fear them.

Blaming Others Your spouse may blame you and others for their choices. They may blame you for everything that goes wrong and not take responsibility for their part.

Exaggerates Your spouse tells exaggerated stories to make themselves out to be either a hero or a victim. This exaggeration feeds their ego.

Emotionally Volatile Your spouse is unpredictable. You are afraid of their anger and are unsure of how they will react to any type of disappointment. They are emotionally volatile and can scream, throw things, punch walls, and hit you one day, and then give you the silent treatment the next day. You are afraid to be near them.

If you feel unsafe in your marriage, seek help immediately. Leaving an unhealthy marriage can require assistance from law enforcement and legal aid. You deserve a life free from control and abuse.

Christian Marriage Counseling in Keller, Texas

Are you looking for help leaving your toxic marriage? Are you and your spouse looking for couples counseling in Keller, Texas to help you through the narcissistic marriage problems? Does your spouse want to change but is not sure how?

Contact our office today at Texas Christian Counseling, Keller to schedule a session with a Christian counselor in Keller, Texas. Your counselor will use evidence-backed psychology methods with faith-based principles to help guide you in what is best for your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.