Being In A Relationship With A Narcissist

Schemas are the core beliefs we develop as a result of our early childhood interactions. They can inform many things about our adult lives, including the way we approach romantic relationships.

“Schema chemistry” refers to the human tendency to be drawn to people who reinforce our own core beliefs.

A person with a self-sacrifice schema may notice a pattern of being with partners who view their own worth and needs as a priority in any situation—in other words, partners who have an entitlement schema. That’s because the self-sacrifice schema and entitlement schema reinforce each other.

1. You prioritize taking care of other people above yourself.
2. You feel overly responsible for other people’s feelings and may put your own feelings aside.
3. Taking the blame. You claim responsibility for other people’s behaviors.
4. You struggle with asking for what you need. You feel guilty or selfish if you take your own needs a priority.
5. You may be afraid to ever do this because you sense that your partner may dismiss your needs, get angry at your request, or even leave you.

1. They feel entitled to get what they want in any situation.
2. They use controlling and manipulative tactics to get what they want.
3. They see themselves as special—the rules don’t apply to them.
4. They believe they are victims and should not be accountable for their own actions.

People with an entitlement schema are drawn to self-sacrificers who are unlikely to challenge the entitled partner’s beliefs. Since the entitled person’s needs are always getting met, that person has no incentive to change the dynamic.

1. Discern between needs and wants. Identify your needs and recognize them as non-negotiable, while also recognizing your wants as negotiable and becoming more flexible with your requests.
2. Practice saying “no.” No matter how small a request is, try saying “Maybe, let me think about it” instead of automatically complying with the request. Give yourself more time to explore whether it’s something you’re willing to do, rather than agreeing out of fear or guilt.
3. Clarify and prioritize your needs. What is most important to you in a relationship—honesty, affection, encouragement? What is non-negotiable—respect, safety, fidelity? It’s okay to have one or two “deal-breaker” needs that absolutely must be met in order for you to continue in the relationship.
4. Remember, a healthy relationship is one in which both partners are able to express needs on an equal basis without fear of retaliation or abandonment. A trained therapist can help both you and your partner to understand and practice relationship skills that create a balanced, fair, and reciprocal dynamic between the two of you.