Ask the Therapist
Relationship with someone who is a Narcissistic Personality Disorder
What are the realistic hopes of maintaining/establishing a
long-term, committed, intimate relationship with someone who is a narcissistic personality disorder ?
Anything is possible, given the right the circumstances. In this situation the question is how much are you willing to compromise. And how much you compromise could mean not only the difference between a healthy and a potentially unhealthy relationship, but between a healthy and an unhealthy you. Your primary responsibility is to yourself, as long as taking that responsibility harms no one, and if you lose yourself to the demands of an unhealthy relationship, how will that serve you?
Two features of a narcissistic personality are taking advantage of others and a lack of empathy. In entering into a relationship -- especially an intimate one -- with a narcissistic personality you are volunteering for a relationship that potentially lacks caring for you and leaves you vulnerable to any number of problems, from finances to infidelity.
Can it work? Anything can work. The question for you is at what cost to you and are you willing to pay that price. My guess is that since you are thoughtful enough to ask the question, in your heart of hearts you are not.
