Being married to a narcissist husband can be traumatic.

Take the example of Mahima. She suffered from gut health issues, skin infections, and mental health concerns.

Once a bright and ambitious young woman, she now struggled with low self-esteem, depersonalization, and isolation.

Mahima consulted many doctors. However, she could never overcome her problems.

So, what happened to Mahima?

Mahima was married to a narcissist husband. Something she did not know until she sought therapy at Holistic Living Wellness Studio in Mumbai.

In this article, we will understand narcissist husband traits, and how to cope with one.

Table of Content:

Narcissist Husband Signs

The most challenging part of being with a narcissist is the inability to recognize the abuse, and finding the strength to call it out.

Here are tell-tale signs of a narcissist husband:

1. He Always Wants to be The Center of Attention

Narcissists thrive on attention. In fact, they can go to any lengths to ensure the spotlight remains on him. It could either be fishing for compliments, boasting about his looks, achievements, or life experiences. Or, by belittling others. Also, expect a display of tantrums, mood swings, or passive aggression when he realizes that the world does not revolve around him.

2. He is Too Controlling

Mahima’s husband decided everything for her. From her clothes, friends, to her financial decisions, everything was controlled by her husband.

Exhibiting controlling behaviors is a classic sign of a narcissist husband. They expect you to be a puppet in their hands. As long as you abide, agree and give in, they will be most charming and loving. But God forbid, if you go against their demands, all hell will break loose. A narcissist husband exerts excessive control over all big and small decisions without considering your input.

3. He Lacks Empathy

A narcissist husband struggles to understand or care about your emotions, needs, or challenges. For instance, when Mahima was unwell, her husband dismissed her condition as “drama” and refused to help her with daily chores. This inability to put themselves in someone else’s shoes makes them emotionally unavailable. You’ll often find your feelings invalidated or mocked, leaving you feeling lonely and unheard.

4. He Gaslights You

Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic narcissists use to make you question your reality. A classic example is shifting blame. If you confront him about his mistakes, he might say, “You’re too sensitive; I never said that.” Over time, this behavior can erode your confidence and make you feel as though you’re losing grip on the truth.

5. He Belittles You

Whether it’s your dreams, choices, or opinions, a narcissistic husband will find a way to tear them down. Mahima loved painting, but her narcissist husband constantly mocked her hobby as “childish” and a waste of time. By undermining your self-worth, he tries to establish superiority and keep you dependent on his validation.

6. He Always Plays the Victim

Even when he is clearly at fault, a narcissist will twist the situation to appear as the victim. For example, if you express frustration over his neglect, he might respond with, “After everything I do for you, this is how you treat me?” This tactic shifts focus away from his behavior and makes you feel guilty for confronting him.

7. He Displays Jealousy and Possessiveness

A narcissistic husband cannot stand the idea of you succeeding or finding joy outside of him. When Mahima earned a promotion, her husband downplayed her achievement and accused her of neglecting the family. This jealousy often stems from their fear of losing control or not being the center of your universe.

8. He Expects Perfection

Living with a narcissistic husband can feel like walking on eggshells. Every action of yours is scrutinized, and the slightest mistake can lead to criticism or rage. They hold you to unrealistic standards, expecting you to be the perfect spouse, parent, or partner while ignoring their own flaws.

9. He Has a Split Personality

In public, he is the charming, caring husband everyone admires. But behind closed doors, his behavior flips, and he may become cold, dismissive, or even cruel. This dual personality can make it hard for others to believe your struggles, isolating you further.

10. He Gives Silent Treatment as Punishment

When things don’t go his way, a narcissist often resorts to emotional punishment like the silent treatment. Mahima’s husband would ignore her for days, refusing to communicate until she apologized—even when it wasn’t her fault. This manipulative tactic leaves you desperate for resolution, often forcing you to give in.

11. He Exploits Your Love

A narcissistic husband knows how much you love him and uses it as leverage. He may guilt-trip you with statements like, “If you really loved me, you’d do this for me.” This emotional exploitation ensures that you prioritize his needs, even at the cost of your own well-being.

Why Am I Still Stuck in a Narcissistic Relationship?

Maybe these signs feel a little too relatable.

Maybe you already know your husband is a narcissist.

Maybe, deep in your heart, you feel like leaving everything behind.

But for some women, leaving is not an option. Children, financial dependency, or lack of support can make it incredibly difficult.

Moreover, narcissistic abuse often depletes your ability to think and act rationally. The constant drama drains you so much that you’re left with little or no strength to think of anything else. You almost become like a zombie or switch to autopilot mode—simply living each day as it comes because everything feels too overwhelming to process.

Not to mention, a narcissist’s love bombing, blame games, victim card, and manipulation can distort your reality, keeping you trapped in the abusive cycle.

Will My Narcissist Husband Change?

Therapy for Narcissistic Personality Disorder can help to manage narcissist traits. Also, a marriage counsellor with expertise in NPD can facilitate positive changes in your relationship.

However, its success rate depends on the willingness and commitment of your partner. It is rare for a narcissist husband to take ownership and make changes within themselves.

Hence, in most cases, we recommend individuals to consult an experienced therapist who specializes in narcissistic abuse recovery.

Whether you decide to stay or leave, they can give you the support, techniques and strategies you need to set boundaries, rebuild your self-esteem, and protect your peace in the narcissistic relationship.

How to Deal with a Narcissist Husband?

Coping with a narcissist husband will require an exceptional level of strength, patience, and confidence. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to deal with a narcissist husband by an expert psychologist at Holistic Living Wellness Center- Mumbai, India.

Step 1: Educate yourself about Narcissistic Personality Disorder. 

The internet will provide a pool of information at your fingertips.

However, not everything you read or see is reliable. It is best to refrain from making assumptions based on a few Instagram reels or articles.

We all have baggage, triggers, and unhealthy traits. Hence, it is not wise to label, or judge based on a few hunches or unpleasant interactions.

The most reliable way to understand your partner, and your relationship is to consult a therapist. Preferably, one who has expertise in Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

A therapist or a marriage counsellor can help you gain a deeper understanding about your partner, and your relationship dynamics. They provide an objective, and unbiased perception, helping you see the reality of your relationship. 

Step 2: Weigh Your Options

Once you have a clear picture about your partner, and your relationship, the next step is to understand what it is that you really want.

Do you want to stay in the marriage? Or do you want to leave your narcissist husband? 

If leaving is not an option, then you need to accept that your partner is unlikely to change.

Trying to ‘fix’ them will complicate things even more. 

In such cases, it is advisable to let them be. Instead, you can focus on yourself. 

Learn how to prioritize your needs, improve yourself physically, engage in activities that stimulate your mind and spirit, build a social circle, and keep yourself busy with things that nobody can take away from you.

Simultaneously, you can take therapy for building a stronger self-esteem, and a more resilient, calmer mindset. 

On the other hand, if you decide to leave your narcissist husband then prepare yourself in every way possible. Divorce with a narcissist can turn really messy, especially if you have kids involved. Please secure yourself financially, and develop a thick skin against all the drama that will follow.

Step 3: Suggest Marriage Counselling

This one could be challenging, but also highly rewarding. Opting for marriage counselling can open doors to profound healing, growth, and changes in your relationship.

Expert counsellor at Holistic Living Wellness Studio says, “A narcissist relationship involves many complex factors. Past traumas, karmic ties, unresolved conflicts, trauma bonding etc can trigger Narcissist Personality Disorder.”

A skilled therapist helps both partners recognize these underlying dynamics and their impact on the relationship.

Therapeutic approaches like hypnotherapy, regression therapy, and inner child work can address unresolved traumas at their root.

For the non-narcissistic partner, marriage counseling often involves learning to establish clear boundaries and prioritize self-care. 

While, for the narcissist, therapy focuses on developing empathy, accountability, and healthier ways to cope with their emotions.

To learn more about marriage counselling for narcissist partners, Call/WhatsApp us for 10-minute Free consultation.

Step 4: Learn How to Cope with a Narcissist Husband

As mentioned above, when leaving is not an option, the next best thing is to learn how to accept and adapt to the narcissist relationship.

This does not imply that you toss away all your feelings, expectations, wants, and needs. It simply means learning how to navigate challenges that come when living with a narcissist.

Here is a detailed guide on how you can cope with a narcissist husband when leaving is not an option.

Final Word…

Living with a narcissist partner is extremely difficult. Their controlling behaviors, unpredictable moods, and manipulative tactics can take a toll on your physical, and mental health. It can slowly isolate you from others, and even yourself. 

If you are stuck in a narcissist relationship, then please consult a therapist immediately. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a serious psychological condition that cannot be taken lightly.

If you expose yourself to narcissistic abuse for too long, you are at a risk of developing serious physical and mental health issues.

We understand it can be difficult and confusing. But a step today can save a lot of trouble in the future. It is time to take control, reclaim your life, and protect your peace.

Where to Find Best Therapists for NPD in Mumbai?

The Holistic Living Wellness Studio provides therapy for narcissist abuse, and marriage counselling for narcissistic relationships. 

Our experts are qualified, trained and highly skilled in handling cases of narcissist abuse. 

Their compassionate support, proven techniques and effective resources can help to break-free from the toxic relationship, or equip you with the strength you need to navigate one.

If you, or someone you know is struggling in a narcissist or unhealthy relationship then consult our best therapists in Mumbai immediately.

Call/WhatsApp to book an in-person or online appointment with a top therapist for NPD in Mumbai, India.

Remember, you are in charge of your life. You too deserve a happy and healthy love. Take a step forward and Call NOW!

The post How To Deal With A Narcissist Husband? first appeared on The Holistic Living.