Living with a Selfish Partner: Is It Worth Trying to Change Them?
Living with a Selfish Partner: Is It Worth Trying to Change Them?
Does your partner lack attention and care, always putting their needs first? Let’s figure out if they’re truly incorrigible.
Self-Absorbed or Just Forgetful?
Your partner doesn’t ask about your day, forgets your anniversary, or notices your new hairstyle. They might seem self-absorbed, but don’t jump to conclusions. Forgetfulness and inattentiveness don’t necessarily mean they’re selfish. If they genuinely care for you and show compassion, they’re not selfish. However, if their world revolves solely around themselves, that’s a different story.
The Everyday Self-Lover
Healthy self-love is natural for everyone. If you don’t suffer from low self-esteem or a victim complex, you’ll find these traits in yourself too. Research shows that men tend to be more self-absorbed than women.
A man with moderate self-love might seem like a good-natured, jovial person. However, his distinguishing feature is pronounced self-admiration. He expects praise and recognition for every little thing he does, from bringing groceries to fixing a nail. You might feel offended by his attitude, as he takes any effort on your part for granted and seems ungrateful. His minor ailments are always more serious than yours, and his trivial pursuits are more important than family matters.
Can You Change Your Partner?
Changing your partner is challenging but possible. Start with yourself! Often, women cultivate male selfishness by taking on all the responsibilities. Remember, you shouldn’t abandon your interests and principles! Your partner is an adult capable of sharing household chores and solving problems together.
Learn to express your dissatisfaction without accusations or a pretentious tone. Don’t threaten to leave; confident in their irresistibility, they might not take you seriously. Instead, use praise to achieve your goals! Frequently approve of their actions, especially in front of friends and family. They’ll strive to do more for you!
The Extreme Self-Lover
You can find an approach to a mildly selfish person. But if you’ve fallen in love with someone who thinks only of themselves, it’s more complicated. Their selfishness is pronounced: they can’t tolerate criticism, get irritated by any request, forcefully impose their opinions, and make unreasonable demands. In a relationship, their priorities are comfort, stability, and solving their problems at their partner’s expense.
What can you do? You can either accept it, leave them, or fight for your love. If they see you as a confident, independent, admirable woman, they won’t want to lose you!
For further reading, visit: Psychology Today.
