Who Narcissists Marry

Within the intricate tapestry of matrimonial union, narcissists exhibit a propensity for entwining themselves with an assortment of diverse individuals, defying prescriptive categorisations and instead manifesting their choices in accordance with idiosyncratic predilections and aims. However, discernible within the labyrinthine contours of these alliances, certain recurring characteristics or configurations may be perceived, shedding light upon the predilections that tether narcissists to their chosen partners. Presented here are several examples:

1. Enablers and codependents: Narcissists frequently gravitate towards partners who show a willingness to enable their behaviours and capitulate to their desires. These chosen individuals often embody codependency, an excess of self-sacrificial tendencies, or a fervent inclination to appease others. In their acquiescence to the narcissist’s actions, these partners sanction the maintenance of the narcissist’s perceived dominion and sense of superiority.
2. Highly empathetic individuals: The narcissistic individual may find allure in those who possess an extraordinary capacity for empathy, as such persons become susceptible to exploitation, their compassionate disposition manipulated to serve as sources of emotional succour. Possessing an empathetic nature, these partners display an enhanced tolerance for the narcissist’s conduct and a penchant for prioritising the narcissist’s needs, even at the expense of their own well-being.
3. Individuals with low self-esteem: Narcissists often set their sights upon partners afflicted by a scarcity of self-regard, owing to the fact that such individuals prove increasingly vulnerable to manipulation and exhibit a heightened inclination to seek the narcissist’s validation and endorsement. By capitalising on their partner’s diminished self-esteem, the narcissist consolidates their grip on power and control within the relational framework.
4. Status and image-conscious individuals: A segment of narcissists directs their amorous endeavours towards those whose social standing, material wealth, or aesthetically pleasing appearance resonates with their own image. These chosen partners become perceived extensions of the narcissist’s identity, and as such, are opportunistically employed to enhance the narcissist’s social cachet or gain entry into exclusive social spheres and associated resources.
5. Individuals providing stability and security: Narcissists may form matrimonial unions with individuals who offer a sense of stability and security, whether through the provision of a reliable livelihood, robust social connections, or other material resources that the narcissist can exploit for personal gain. The allure lies in the assurance of a steadfast and secure lifestyle that these partners provide, thereby enabling the narcissist to avail themselves of various benefits.

It is important to bear in mind that the possession of these aforementioned characteristics does not inevitably denote an individual’s eventual alignment with a narcissist in holy matrimony, nor does it imply that all narcissists invariably unite with individuals characterised by these traits. Furthermore, it must be emphasised that these discernible patterns are contingent upon the specifics of each unique individual and the circumstances they inhabit. Therefore, it becomes imperative for individuals to familiarise themselves with the telltale signs of narcissistic proclivities and, when considering the pursuit of any form of interpersonal connection, to prioritise their own well-being, thus avoiding potentially harmful entanglements.