Navigating Narcissistic Relationships: Understanding Subtypes and Making Informed Decisions

When dealing with narcissism in a relationship, it's important to recognize that not all narcissistic individuals are the same. Understanding the different subtypes can provide clarity and inform your decisions about whether to stay or leave the relationship. If a partner exhibits 15 or more traits from the checklists in the source material, it is likely you are in a relationship with a narcissist.

The Different Subtypes of Narcissism

1. The Dark Triad Narcissist

These individuals are often "downright mean, violating moral and ethical codes," and even legal ones. They can be dangerous, seductive, and skilled at attracting partners, but ultimately leave their partners feeling "hollowed out."

Key Traits: Grandiosity, manipulativeness, lack of empathy, anger, paranoia, and a tendency to lie and exploit others.

2. The Controlling Narcissist

These narcissists are "more concerned with accountab...

EmpowerHer Book Club: Should I Stay or Should I Go? – Chapter 3, Part 2: Red Flags

Welcome back to the EmpowerHer Book Club! We’re diving into Part 2 of Chapter 3 from Dr. Ramani Durvasula’s eye-opening book, Should I Stay or Should I Go?: Surviving a Relationship with a Narcissist. This section focuses on critical red flags to watch for in relationships—key indicators that can help you recognize unhealthy patterns and make empowered decisions for your well-being.

If you're reading along or tuning into our accompanying audio podcast, I encourage you to take notes and reflect on how these red flags may have shown up in your own experiences. And if you haven’t already, be sure to join our free EmpowerHer Community, where we continue these powerful discussions in a supportive space.

Red Flags to Watch For

1. Greedy

Greed isn’t just about wanting more—it’s about a deep sense of entitlement. A narcissistic partner may show this through an obsession with material possessions, status, an...

 Chapter 3: Recognizing the Red Flags

Chapter 2 helped us understand the traits of narcissism; now, Chapter 3 shifts the focus to recognizing how these behaviors show up in relationships. It’s a wake-up call for those who give too much, hoping for love or change that may never come.

This chapter asks tough but essential questions:

• Are my needs being met, or am I constantly giving without receiving?
• Do I feel valued, or am I left questioning my worth?
• Am I making excuses for behavior that leaves me drained?

Chapter 3 equips you with tools to spot manipulative behaviors like gaslighting and love bombing, empowering you to break free from doubt and reclaim your power. It’s about trusting yourself again and choosing relationships built on mutual respect and care.

What’s Next?

In Part 2, we’ll dive deeper into practical steps to protect your emotional health and set guilt-free boundaries. Until then, reflect on the red flags you’ve noticed—awareness is the first step to change.

Welcome to our book club, where today, we're diving into Should I Stay or Should I Go by Dr. Ramani Durvasula. In Chapter 2, "Narcissism is the New Black," Dr. Durvasula unpacks a topic that can transform how you see yourself and your relationships. If you’re a people-pleaser who often finds yourself feeling drained, confused, or questioning your worth in relationships, this is for you.

What Is Narcissism?

Dr. Durvasula explains that narcissism isn’t just excessive self-confidence—it’s a disorder of superficiality. It’s characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a deep need for admiration, and a significant lack of empathy.

Narcissists can be incredibly alluring, often appearing confident, intelligent, and successful. But beneath that shiny exterior lies a vulnerable self-esteem that constantly seeks external validation. They thrive on "love lite" experiences—exciting and validating at first but ultimately shallow and unfulfilling.

Why People-Pleasers Are Vulnerable

A...

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a relationship where you feel unheard, unappreciated, or constantly walking on eggshells? Do you find yourself prioritizing everyone else's needs, hoping that if you just try harder, things will get better? If this resonates with you, you are not alone. Many women fall into the cycle of people-pleasing in relationships, especially with narcissistic partners. The good news? You can break free from this cycle, reclaim your power, and step into an empowered, authentic life.

Welcome to the Women Empowered Book Club! Our mission is to provide a supportive space for women to learn, grow, and transform their relationships through the power of books and community. We believe that knowledge is a powerful tool for change, and together, we will explore life-changing insights that help us break free from toxic patterns.

Our first book? The game-changer: "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" by Dr. Ramani Durvasula.

Why This Book?

Dr. Ramani Durvasula’s "Shoul...