There are many types of abusive relationships.

There’s domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and more.

Abuse of any kind is certainly cause for concern.

Both the abuser and the abused will benefit from targeted help. Narcissistic abuse is another type of abuse that plagues many relationships.

Because there is a wide spectrum of narcissism, where some exhibit traits more strongly than others, many people are unaware that they are in a relationship with a narcissist or subject to narcissistic abuse.

What is Narcissism?

Although we often label people with inflated egos as narcissists, there’s a bit more to being narcissist.

Narcissism is characterized by an imposing sense of self-importance, the need of constant praise and admiration, little to no regard for the feelings of others and a deep sense of deserving preferential treatment for being who they are.

If you should find yourself in a relationship with a narcissist, you may have a need for divorce lawyers Melbourne.

The problem is that these types of people tend to take over a marriage and leave little room for the needs of others within the family.

They lack empathy and seek to control their relationships.

What is Narcissistic Abuse?

Some narcissists will even become abusive, and many victims are unaware because narcissists are quite adept at manipulating and taking control.

Narcissistic abuse is characterized by gaslighting, denial, trivializing, violence or the threat of violence, lies and manipulation.

Often, the bulk of a narcissistic abuse is emotional, but they can also be violent.

Any of these tactics can be used to alter your perception of reality, isolate you from family and friends, get you to devalue yourself and your feelings, and more.

This type of abuse can be difficult to spot, particularly if there is no sexual or physcial abuse present.

Sometimes a partner is just selfish, but when actions and words fail to come together in a sensible way, there may be more to the story of your relationship.

Narcissists and Relationships

Someone with narcissistic personality disorder doesn’t create true relationships with others.

The relationships they enter into are purely for their benefit.

Whether it’s entertainment, goods, services or control, a narcissist looks only for how to best service their needs in every interaction they have.

An equal and trusting relationship is nearly impossible for them.

A narcissist’s main goal is to extract what makes them feel good and powerful from every relationship, whether it’s with children, an organisation or entity, a romantic partner or a stranger on the street.

If you find that your feelings are always taking a backseat or trivialized to the benefit of your partner, you may be in an abusive relationship with a narcissist.

Is it almost impossible for your partner to put themselves in anyone else’s position and be genuinely kind for kindness sake?

These are some things to take into consideration when you suspect you may be a survivor of narcissistic abuse.

There are many organisations that can help victims of abuse, so if you need help, please reach out so that you can have the life you truly want.