Who Do Narcissists Marry? The Truth Behind Their Relationships

Narcissism and Relationships: An Intriguing Dynamic

Narcissists are often seen as self-centered, manipulative, and emotionally distant individuals. But when it comes to love and marriage, who do narcissists marry? If you’ve ever wondered about the dynamics of their relationships, you’re not alone. Narcissists tend to gravitate toward specific types of people, often for reasons that seem complicated to outsiders.

The Narcissist’s Ideal Partner

Narcissists generally seek individuals who fulfill their need for admiration, validation, and control. They need someone who can make them feel special and elevate their self-worth. But it’s more than just vanity—it’s about the way they maintain a certain emotional power in their relationships.

Let me tell you, I once had a conversation with a friend, Jenny, who was dating someone with narcissistic tendencies. She found herself constantly walking on eggshells, trying to please him and keep him happy. At first, she didn’t realize why she was constantly feeling drained and unappreciated. Turns out, her partner's narcissistic traits meant he was more interested in her adoration than a genuine connection.

Who Do Narcissists Marry?

In short, narcissists tend to marry people who are easy to control, admire them, and boost their ego. These people may lack strong boundaries, be highly empathetic, or even overly accommodating. Narcissists often look for partners who will accept their self-centered behavior and provide them with the attention they crave.

1. The Empath: A Target for Narcissists

One of the most common types of partners narcissists marry are empaths—those who are highly sensitive to the feelings and needs of others. Empaths tend to be caring, nurturing, and want to make others happy, often at their own expense. Narcissists see this as an opportunity for control.

I’ve seen this happen firsthand with a colleague, Emma. She had a partner who was constantly demanding, and despite his emotional manipulation, she always tried to please him. In hindsight, she realized that his narcissism had led her to lose herself in the relationship, prioritizing his needs over her own. This dynamic often happens because empaths are naturally inclined to give, and narcissists are skilled at taking.

2. The Accomplished Partner: Someone to Reflect Their Status

Narcissists also tend to marry people who are successful or who reflect their desired image. The partner might have a good job, strong social standing, or physical attractiveness—all qualities that the narcissist can flaunt to the world to reinforce their own superiority.

Take, for example, a conversation I had with my cousin Mark. He had an ex-girlfriend who was very successful in her career, and at first, he was in awe of her achievements. But as the relationship progressed, it became clear that his admiration for her wasn’t about loving her—he just liked to have a partner who elevated his own status. Narcissists often use their partner as a means of validation, not as someone to truly connect with.

3. The “Rescuer”: The Person Who Fulfills Their Need for Control

Sometimes, narcissists marry people who have “saving” tendencies—individuals who are drawn to helping others or fixing problems. Narcissists often play on these people’s need to “rescue” them and may create problems or emotional chaos that the partner feels compelled to solve.

A good friend of mine, Sarah, had a boyfriend who was constantly playing the role of a victim, creating issues that he expected her to fix. She found herself always trying to “rescue” him, only for the cycle to repeat itself. Over time, she realized he wasn’t interested in real solutions—he just wanted her to be emotionally available while he avoided responsibility. This is a classic narcissistic tactic to maintain control.

Why Do Narcissists Choose These Partners?

The narcissist’s need for attention, admiration, and emotional control drives them to seek out these types of individuals. These partners fulfill a crucial role in the narcissist’s life: they provide validation and allow the narcissist to maintain an inflated self-image.

The Role of Narcissistic Supply

In psychological terms, the people they marry are often referred to as their narcissistic supply—sources of constant admiration and attention. Narcissists have a deep need to feed their ego, and they tend to gravitate toward those who reinforce their self-worth. These partners are expected to worship them, fulfill their emotional needs, and, in many cases, ignore their flaws.

Red Flags in Narcissistic Relationships

It’s crucial to recognize the signs of narcissism early in a relationship. Narcissists often have charming personalities at first, making them difficult to identify. But as the relationship deepens, you may begin to notice:

• Lack of empathy: Narcissists often disregard the emotions and needs of others.

• Constant need for validation: They seek admiration and attention at all costs.

• Emotional manipulation: They use guilt, blame, or other tactics to control and influence their partners.

If you’re in a relationship with someone who exhibits these signs, it might be time to take a step back and reassess your needs and boundaries. Remember, it’s never too late to prioritize your own well-being.

Conclusion: Who Do Narcissists Marry?

In summary, narcissists typically marry individuals who either admire them, are easy to control, or can reflect their desired image. They often choose partners who are empathetic, successful, or “fixers”—people who will supply their emotional needs without asking for much in return. Recognizing the dynamics at play can help you understand whether you're in a healthy relationship or one that serves only the narcissist’s needs. So, if you're dealing with a narcissist, it’s important to recognize your value and know when it's time to step away.

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

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Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

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Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

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Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.