Both children and partners of narcissistic people report a lack of satisfaction in their relationships with them. (1, 2) They mention such themes as insecurity in relationships, unrealistic expectations, a negative or fragile sense of self and difficulty with intimacy, as well as infidelity. (2,3) Narcissism is also connected with aggression, which in turn is negatively linked with the partner's relationship satisfaction. (2)
After every school shooting, mass shooting, or act of targeted political violence, I've noticed a heartbreaking and consistent theme in my work with families. Mothers often come to me with the same fearful question:"Why does this keep happening with boys-and is my son at risk too?" Most recently, one mother sat across from me, exhausted and tearful, asking if her parenting was somehow creating a "narcissist" in her son. She feared what she was seeing-and even more, what it might mean.
It's okay to let go of those who couldn't love you. Those who didn't know how to. Those who failed to even try. It's okay to outgrow them, because that means you filled the empty space in you with self-love instead.
Weddings should be joyous celebrations, yet complex family dynamics can turn them into battlegrounds. It's essential to set boundaries to preserve peace on your special day.