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Featured Image Credit: Instagram/draliajaz
Topics: Mental Health, Sex and Relationships
Jen Thomas
Whether you've just started dating or are in a long-term relationship, a psychiatrist has shared some traits that should set off alarm bells.
These four traits could mean that you're dealing with a narcissist, and it's something to be aware of when heading into the world of dating.
Dating can be a minefield, but it's even harder with situationships and casual dating being increasingly common.
What happens when you think you've met the one, but you start to notice some uncomfortable signs?
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Dr Ali Ajaz is a consultant psychiatrist, and he specialises in working with people with ADHD and autism.
He has shared a video saying that people who have one of these conditions are much more likely to be in narcissistic abusive relationships.
He has given warnings of the four signs to look out for.
If you regularly find yourself being the one to say sorry, it could be a big red flag.
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Dr Ajaz explains: "You find yourself always apologising for things, even when it's not your fault."
He said if you find yourself regularly apologising, it might be because you feel it's 'the only way to defuse the tension in the relationship'.
Of course it's normal and reasonable to apologise if you've done something wrong or have hurt your partner in some way, but if it's a pattern of over-apologising to keep the peace, then it is something to be wary of.
Relationships are about give and take and if you find that things are off balance, it's worth keeping a close eye.
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Dr Ajaz says it's not acceptable if 'you are expected to take responsibility for all the s*** that goes wrong, but you are not allowed to take the credit for any of the success'.
There's nothing more frustrating than being constantly blamed for everything.
It's then worsened if you do something 'right', and it isn't noticed or appreciated.
This behaviour should set off alarm bells.
Communication is a vital part of a healthy relationship, and if you feel like you have to walk on eggshells and can't express your feelings, that's a bad sign.
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According to Dr Ajaz, this can happen when 'your partner often evokes strong negative emotions in you which you have to internalise, and this breeds discontent and resentment towards them'.
He says 'you're not allowed to express how you really feel', for fear of how they'll respond.
This isn't the sign of a healthy, successful relationship.
The final sign to be aware of is if your partner is aggressive towards you, if you try and give them some feedback.
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Dr Ajaz warns it's a sign when 'every time you suggest something to your partner or give some feedback, they react aggressively, even though they are more than happy to criticise you on a daily basis'.
This hypocrisy is an overt sign of narcissism.
He finishes by saying: "If you're in a narcissistic relationship, don't suffer in silence. Reach out to someone that can help."