The primary dynamics that drive a narcissistic person in a relationship are power, control, and domination. The narcissistic person uses the relationship as a source of validation. If those needs are not being met or cannot be achieved, it contributes to the volatility of these relationships.
If you are in a relationship with a narcissistic person and gain more power, control, or autonomy, the narcissistic person is going to react badly. Here are some examples of this:
- You might be the adult child of a narcissistic parent and no longer need them for money or housing, or you are making your own way in the world, while they were using money to control you.
- You could be in a narcissistic relationship and receive a promotion or a new job that puts you in a more powerful or better-paid position.
- You might leave an abusive, tyrannical narcissistic boss to take another job or start your own venture where they cannot control you in day-to-day matters.
The responses to these changes can vary. In some cases, you will see the narcissistic person try to keep you small, telling you that you’re probably going to fail, or that you’re kidding yourself if you think you can succeed. They may suggest that your success is temporary or fleeting, warning you to be careful what you wish for because it may all end in disappointment, leaving you feeling foolish when it falls apart.
Continue reading on the next page
Sharing is caring!
