6 Traits Narcissists Want in a Romantic Partner

Narcissists seek romantic partners who possess specific traits that cater to their complex psychological needs. Rather than focusing on a single characteristic, narcissists desire a blend of personality traits that can support their insecurities and need for constant validation.

1. Feeling Responsible for Others: Narcissists are drawn to partners who feel responsible for others' well-being, as these individuals tend to tolerate more and continually validate the narcissist's self-worth.

2. Denying Their Own Needs: Partners who prioritize others' needs above their own can find themselves "losing" their own identity within the relationship, as narcissists demand nearly all the emotional space.

3. High Empathy: Empathetic people are attractive to narcissists because they provide validation and acknowledgment, mirroring the narcissist's feelings, which is crucial for the narcissist’s self-image.

4. Complex Self-Esteem: Narcissists favor partners with both high appeal and a vulnerable area of low self-esteem, often rooted in childhood, which makes them more susceptible to manipulation and fear of abandonment.

5. Promotes Narcissist's Desired Image: Narcissists want partners who enhance their public image, viewing their partner as an accessory that supports their idealized self-image.

6. Prone to Guilt: Guilt-prone individuals are attractive because they are easier to manipulate, tend to doubt themselves, and are less likely to leave.

   
   

These traits make narcissists' partners more susceptible to manipulation, but they also showcase psychological resilience. Partners of narcissists should remember that narcissists present a "false self" at the start of a relationship, making it challenging to detect their true nature initially.

Seth Meyers, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist, TV guest expert, author, and relationship expert.