Welcome to a comprehensive exploration of a rather intriguing question: “Why do narcissists get married?” It’s a question that has puzzled many, especially those you have been married to a narcissist at some point, and we’re here to delve deep into the motivations and psychology behind this phenomenon. Marriage, a symbol of love and commitment for most, takes on a different meaning when it involves a narcissist. In this article, we’ll take a compassionate look at the ten crazy reasons why narcissists decide to tie the knot.
Relationships, as we know them, are built on love, trust, and mutual support. However, when a narcissist enters the picture, it’s an entirely different ball game. Their self-centered and egotistic nature often leaves us wondering why they would even consider marriage. But rest assured, there are intriguing motives lurking behind their decisions.
So, let’s dive into the enigmatic world of narcissists and explore why they choose to walk down the aisle, sometimes with disastrous consequences for their partners.
Why Do Narcissists Get Married – 10 Crazy Reasons
Let’s delve into the top ten intriguing and somewhat baffling reasons why narcissists decide to get married. Understanding these motivations can shed light on the complexities of narcissistic relationships and the challenges they present.
You may not believe it but there are instances where narcissists have remained married for 20, 30 and even 40 years. Often, how long a narcissist remains married depends a lot of their spouse and the coping strategies that they put into place.
So now let’s dive in and try and answer the baffling question – why do narcissists get married in the first place.
#1. The Image Boost
Narcissists often crave attention and admiration. For them, marriage becomes a stage on which to showcase their grandiose self-image to the world. They seek a partner who can act as a trophy, enhancing their perceived social status and ego. This desire for an image boost often leads narcissists to seek out partners who are not just attractive but also capable of maintaining their public image.
#2. Control and Manipulation
Marriage can be a perfect arena for narcissists to exert control and manipulate their partners. Their need for manipulation and dominance drives them to use emotional and psychological tactics to maintain power within the relationship. For example, they may employ guilt-tripping, gaslighting, or silent treatment to keep their partner emotionally dependent.
#3. Secure Narcissistic Supply
Narcissists thrive on narcissistic supply, which includes attention, admiration, and validation. Marriage offers a consistent and convenient source of this supply, as their spouse may feel obligated to provide it. And so having easy access to supply is one of the main reasons why a narcissist remains married. In a marriage, the narcissist expects constant praise, and they use various techniques to ensure they receive it, from demanding constant attention to creating crises that require their partner’s support.
#4. Access to Resources
Some narcissists are attracted to the material benefits of marriage, such as financial security and access to their partner’s assets. They view marriage as a means to secure these resources for themselves. In such cases, the narcissist may show a keen interest in their partner’s financial situation and may even manipulate them to gain control over shared assets.
#5. Fear of Loneliness
Ironically, narcissists often fear being alone. They may seek marriage to avoid the loneliness they feel when not in a relationship. However, their partners may eventually become emotionally depleted by their constant need for attention. This fear of loneliness often leads narcissists to jump from one relationship to another, always in search of a new source of companionship.
#6. Competition and Rivalry
Narcissists thrive on competition and see marriage as an opportunity to prove their superiority. They may view their partner as a rival and engage in power struggles within the relationship. This constant need to be on top can lead to a toxic and unhealthy dynamic where every aspect of the relationship becomes a battleground.
#7. Validation of Self-Worth
Marriage can serve as a way for narcissists to validate their self-worth. They seek a partner who constantly affirms their greatness, bolstering their fragile self-esteem. The constant need for validation can become emotionally exhausting for their partners, who are often caught in a cycle of trying to meet the narcissist’s insatiable need for affirmation.
#8. Reinventing Identity
Some narcissists view marriage as a chance to reinvent themselves or escape their troubled past. They may create a new persona within the confines of the relationship, portraying themselves as the ideal partner. This new identity allows them to temporarily escape their true selves and the issues that may have plagued them in the past.
#9. Maintaining Appearances
To outsiders, a narcissist may appear charming and devoted within their marriage. This façade helps them maintain a favorable public image while hiding their more manipulative behaviors. This carefully crafted image often serves to protect the narcissist from scrutiny and ensures that they continue to receive the admiration they crave from the world around them.
#10. Future Sources of Narcissistic Supply
Narcissists are known for their ability to plan ahead. They may enter marriage with the expectation of securing future sources of narcissistic supply, such as children or new social connections. For instance, a narcissist may view having children as a means to ensure a constant flow of attention and admiration, as their offspring are often a captive audience for their demands and grandiosity.
Closing Thoughts
In exploring the ten crazy reasons why narcissists get married, we’ve uncovered the intricate web of motivations that drive their decisions. It’s crucial to approach this topic with compassion, as narcissistic relationships can be challenging for both the narcissist and their partners.
Understanding these reasons helps us navigate the complex dynamics of narcissistic marriages, but it also underscores the importance of recognizing the signs and seeking help when needed. Whether you find yourself in a relationship with a narcissist or simply curious about their behavior, remember that empathy and support can make a significant difference.
We hope this article has shed light on the perplexing world of narcissistic marriages and offered insight into the intricacies of human relationships.