"Both children and partners of narcissistic people report a lack of satisfaction in their relationships with them. (1, 2) They mention such themes as insecurity in relationships, unrealistic expectations, a negative or fragile sense of self and difficulty with intimacy, as well as infidelity. (2,3) Narcissism is also connected with aggression, which in turn is negatively linked with the partner's relationship satisfaction. (2)"
"They tell funny stories, everyone chuckles, and everybody is having a great time. Except for Mark. Mark is smiling, but it doesn't reach his eyes. While everyone else is simply in the moment, he's a million miles away and a storm is raging inside his head. That story? It wasn't nearly as good as his story and they didn't laugh that long at his. That promotion their friend just mentioned? Mark is already tallying how he'll top it when he's back from vacation."
Narcissistic people and their close relations often report low relationship satisfaction. Recurring themes include insecurity, unrealistic expectations, a fragile self-concept, difficulty with intimacy, and infidelity. Narcissism links with aggression, which further decreases partner satisfaction. Both grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic profiles are associated with low self-reported relationship satisfaction. Perfectionistic standards and chronic comparison produce frequent disappointment. Narcissistic jealousy and insecurity can limit partners' social interactions. Excessive self-focus and competitive thinking reduce the ability to enjoy shared moments and erode mutual pleasure, undermining relationship quality for both partners.
Read at Psychology Today
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