You might be in a relationship with a narcissist if...
- Gretchen Hall
- Jan 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 19

You might be in a relationship with a narcissist if... you find yourself apologizing constantly, even for things that aren’t your fault. Over time, you may start feeling like everything that goes wrong is somehow your responsibility.
You might be in a relationship with a narcissist if... they expect praise for doing the bare minimum in the relationship. Simple acts of kindness or responsibility, like remembering your birthday or doing a household chore, are treated as extraordinary gestures that you should be grateful for.
You might be in a relationship with a narcissist if... you feel like you have to make yourself smaller—your needs, your opinions, your emotions—just to avoid conflict. You may be walking on eggshells, afraid that expressing yourself will lead to an argument.
You might be in a relationship with a narcissist if... they always shift the blame onto you, even when they are clearly in the wrong. If they hurt you, they may twist the situation to make you feel like you provoked them or that your feelings aren’t valid.
You might be in a relationship with a narcissist if... they refuse to compromise, and every disagreement ends with you giving in to keep the peace. Your needs and concerns are dismissed, and any attempt to stand up for yourself is met with defensiveness or manipulation.
You might be in a relationship with a narcissist if... they react negatively to your successes instead of celebrating them. Whether it’s a career achievement, a personal goal, or a new friendship, they may minimize your accomplishments or make you feel guilty for them.
You might be in a relationship with a narcissist if... you feel like their emotional caretaker rather than an equal partner. You are constantly managing their moods, trying to prevent outbursts, and making sure they are happy, even at the expense of your own well-being.
You might be in a relationship with a narcissist if... they rewrite past events to fit their narrative. They may deny things they previously said or did, making you question your own memory and perception of reality.
You might be in a relationship with a narcissist if... their kindness comes with strings attached. When they do something nice for you, it often feels like there’s an unspoken expectation that you will owe them something in return.
You might be in a relationship with a narcissist if... you feel emotionally drained and no longer recognize yourself. If you constantly doubt your worth, feel isolated, or find yourself just trying to survive each day in the relationship, it may be time to consider whether this is a healthy environment for you. You deserve respect, love, and emotional safety.
If you read this list and thought, Now what?—you’re not alone. Recognizing the problem is the first step, and the good news is, help is out there. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Coaching can give you the support, clarity, and tools you need to break free from the cycle, rebuild your confidence, and create the life you deserve. Change is possible, and you are worthy of a future filled with peace, respect, and joy. If you're ready to take that step, I’m here to help. 💜