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What Is the Connection between Narcissism and Sex?

Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee

Narcissism and sex are believed to be interlinked, in that people who suffer from narcissism often view sex as a stand-in for real emotional intimacy in a relationship. Some narcissists view sex as a means of gaining power or control over a sexual partner, or as a means of gaining validation and admiration for themselves, thus the perceived link between narcissism and sex addiction. Narcissists are often very preoccupied with appearances, including maintaining the appearance of a healthy relationship, so they may view sexual intercourse as a task that is necessary for the maintenance of a relationship, rather than an act of love and intimacy.

Experts believe many narcissists don't enjoy sex as much as people without this personality disorder, though some narcissists may view sex as an activity designed solely for their own pleasure and enjoyment, without thought for the needs and desires of their partners. Narcissism and sex, especially in terms of the sexual health of a relationship, often don't mesh well, as the narcissist may use sex as simply another manipulative tool for forcing his partner to meet his needs, at the neglect of his partner's needs.

A narcissist may view sex as a means of gaining power over a sexual partner.
A narcissist may view sex as a means of gaining power over a sexual partner.

Some experts believe narcissism and sex addiction go hand in hand, since the narcissist may crave the sense of power over others that he earns through frequent sexual conquests. Most psychologists believe narcissists are incapable of true love and emotional intimacy. For the narcissist, sex may seem more like a solitary activity. Narcissism and sex in a relationship can lead to an increased sense of isolation and neglect for the non-narcissist partner, since the narcissist partner may feel more divorced from the relationship with each sex act. If both partners suffer from narcissism, sex can become an attempt to fuse together into one entity with identical needs and desires, since the narcissist is unable to recognize the reality of separate, individual sets of needs and desires unique to both people in the relationship.

Narcissism may develop in childhood if children do not establish close and loving bonds with their parents.
Narcissism may develop in childhood if children do not establish close and loving bonds with their parents.

The causes of narcissism are believed to be rooted in early childhood. Most experts think that people develop narcissism when they do not establish appropriately close, loving, healthy, and respectful bonds with their parents or other caregivers in early childhood. The failure to bond with caregivers early in life can cause narcissists to falter in personal development, such that they fail to evolve genuine feelings of self-esteem. As a result, they often seek relationships with others who may be perceived as desirable by the society at large, as a means of proving themselves. They generally expect these people to soothe their inner pain and turmoil by showering them with flawless and constant affection, and by meeting all their needs at the exclusion of their partner's own.

Discussion Comments

anon991409

I was swept away by an extremely charming narcissist. I spent months of him lavishing attention on me, compliments, tears and declarations of me being the center of the world. We had the most amazing phone sex and the text messages melted my phone. Honestly. It eventually led to sex. I expected our experience to be emotional and earth shattering. I couldn't believe that he was like a robot. No romantic words. No loving looks or embraces. He pleasured me with a few fantastic successes and then looked me in the eye immediately and said, “See, I told you I could,” and ridiculed me for a statement I had made about not climaxing easily. Strangest experience ever. I brushed it off as nerves and the second experience was almost equally as cold in that he was in a rush to watch a sports event. I was dumbfounded. I searched for answers to his odd actions and found narcissism. Textbook. And still unbelievable to me. I'm still trying to cut this off. Such a mess.

anon947200

With a narcissistic man, you will be used as a sex toy/slave. The sex is not romantic. It's mechanical, fake, degrading, and selfish. He will only give you an orgasm if he feels like it, or if he needs you to do something so he can manipulate you. You will mostly spend weeks without sex and having sex withheld. It's horrible! Stay far away! I'm still healing after four years with one of these walking dead!

anon326875

My soon-to-be-ex-wife exhibits all of these symptoms, especially when it came to sex. It was good in the beginning but after a couple of years it became all about her. I didn't matter except for providing a means to the end. I often thought to myself "I'm nothing but a human dildo." Now after five years of marriage and several affairs for her, I can't take it anymore. I filed for divorce. Best decision ever! Wish I had read these articles earlier, much earlier.

anon306256

Being in relationship with a narcissist is extremely engaging and exciting to begin with. They can be incredibly confident and charismatic. However, this facade hastily ends when you realize that they are draining the very life out of you. They are never, ever, ever pleased. You will never please them as they are a cup that can never be filled. I think that people who have been abused themselves are usually attracted to narcissistic types.

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    • A narcissist may view sex as a means of gaining power over a sexual partner.
      By: JackF
      A narcissist may view sex as a means of gaining power over a sexual partner.
    • Narcissism may develop in childhood if children do not establish close and loving bonds with their parents.
      By: flairimages
      Narcissism may develop in childhood if children do not establish close and loving bonds with their parents.
    • A narcissist might use sex as a way of gaining admiration for himself.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      A narcissist might use sex as a way of gaining admiration for himself.
    • Most psychologists believe that narcissists are incapable of true love and emotional intimacy.
      By: zoomyimages
      Most psychologists believe that narcissists are incapable of true love and emotional intimacy.
    • The non-narcissist partner may feel increasingly isolated.
      By: vgstudio
      The non-narcissist partner may feel increasingly isolated.
    • Narcissists may believe they have a right to multiple partners.
      By: avecfort
      Narcissists may believe they have a right to multiple partners.
    • Narcissists often put a greater emphasis on sexual attractiveness.
      By: HaywireMedia
      Narcissists often put a greater emphasis on sexual attractiveness.