Relationships

What Are the Traits of a Narcissistic Man in Bed — and How Should You Deal With Him?

Woman looking thoughtful and worried about intimacy, representing the traits of a narcissistic man in bed.
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Women in our region face major challenges in intimate relationships, especially when they are involved with a man who shows clear narcissistic traits in bed. This type of partner makes the sexual relationship emotionally exhausting and deeply unbalanced, where pleasure seems reserved for him alone while your needs are dismissed or minimized. And with the rising awareness around toxic marriages and unhealthy relationships, it becomes essential to recognize whether you are involved with a narcissistic man and how this affects your sexual and emotional wellbeing.

If you have any doubts about your relationship, we also recommend reading: The Difference Between a Healthy Marriage and a Toxic Relationship. And before diving into the details, you can download our free guide: Reflections Before Marriage, which helps you understand partner dynamics and spot early warning signs before entering a long-term commitment.

Man appearing confident and self-centered during intimacy, focused on his own performance.
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Being with a narcissistic man slowly extinguishes your desire—not because you don’t want him, but because you don’t exist in the relationship.

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What Are the Traits of a Narcissistic Man in Bed?

Sexual narcissism appears through several recognizable behaviors that weaken emotional intimacy and turn physical connection into a shallow, mechanical experience. Here are the most common traits you may encounter.

1. He Tries to Captivate You Just to Showcase His Skills — Not to Please You

A narcissistic man sees intimacy as a stage where he performs his “sexual abilities.” His goal is to appear impressive, dominant, and exceptional—not to create mutual pleasure.
He may seem attentive at first, but this attention is directed toward proving his “technique,” not toward understanding your needs. This turns intimacy into a performance rather than a shared experience.

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A narcissist does not look for your pleasure… he looks for your admiration.

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Man in bed prioritizing his own pleasure while ignoring his partner’s needs.

2. He Always Puts His Own Desires First

The narcissistic partner always places his needs at the center. He behaves as if his sexual satisfaction is more important and gets frustrated or upset when you don’t match his rhythm or expectations.

He does not ask, “What do you need?” Instead, he expects you to adapt to him. This leads to a one-sided, emotionally draining dynamic.

3. He Criticizes You Constantly and Undermines Your Sexual Confidence

One of the most harmful traits of a narcissistic man in bed is his use of criticism as a weapon. He may say: “You don’t know how to enjoy yourself.”, “You’re cold.”, “You don’t satisfy me.” These statements are not mere comments—they are tools designed to break your confidence and make you dependent on his approval.

Over time, you begin to doubt your femininity, your sexual energy, and your worth. This often marks the beginning of a deeply toxic relationship.

If you relate to this pattern, you may want to read: Does Marriage Make Women Happier?

4. He Expects Constant Praise for His Performance

The narcissistic man continuously seeks validation. He wants you to exaggerate your admiration and confirm that he is the best, the strongest, and the most skilled.

If you don’t do this, he may treat you coldly or accuse you of being ungrateful. Your role becomes that of an evaluator in an exam, not a partner in intimacy.

5. He Believes He Is Always Right — Even About Your Own Body

This is one of the most common narcissistic traits. He believes he knows your body better than you do. He may tell you: “You don’t understand what gives you pleasure.”, “I know what works for you.”. By doing this, he takes away your agency and invalidates your own experience.

6. He Cannot Handle Any Feedback or Requests

Any small suggestion becomes, in his mind, an attack on his masculinity. He may react with anger, dismissal, or emotional manipulation to shift blame onto you. This makes healthy communication nearly impossible.

7. For Him, Sex Is Purely Physical — Without Emotion

He focuses on penetration, performance, positions, and physical pleasure. What is missing? Emotional connection. Warmth. Presence. Affection. Foreplay. Aftercare. To him, sex is a mechanical act, not a meaningful connection. This creates a cold, distant, loveless dynamic.

Woman feeling hurt and insecure after receiving criticism during intimacy.
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A narcissist touches your body… without ever seeing your heart.

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8. He Seeks Control and May Resort to Aggression

Control is central to his personality. He may dictate positions, rhythm, movement, and even how you should respond. In some situations, he may use sexual aggression—not for mutual pleasure, but to reinforce dominance.

9. He Does Not Apologize or Show Empathy

Even when he hurts you physically or emotionally, he refuses to admit his mistakes. He may minimize your pain, deny what happened, or blame you instead. This erodes emotional safety and damages your self-esteem and sexual desire.

How to Deal With a Narcissistic Man in Bed

Handling a narcissistic partner requires clarity, assertiveness, and the courage to protect your boundaries. Here are the strategies that help restore balance in the relationship.

1. Talk Honestly About Your Feelings and Needs

Direct communication is essential. Tell him what bothers you, what hurts you, and what you need from him. A narcissist will not notice the problem unless you clearly express it. Silence is dangerous—it is interpreted as acceptance.

2. Don’t Pretend to Be Satisfied or Compliant

If you tolerate behavior that hurts you, he will repeat it endlessly. Be honest with yourself and with him. Don’t send confusing signals.

3. Set Firm, Non-Negotiable Boundaries

Define clearly what is acceptable and what is not. Boundaries protect your emotional and physical safety and should never be optional.

4. Say “No” Clearly and Confidently

Do not apologize for setting limits. You are not hurting him—you are protecting yourself.

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Boundaries are not cruelty… they are dignity.

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Woman feeling sad and unseen while her partner shows no empathy.

5. Suggest Individual or Couples Therapy

A drop in estrogen can cause sudden sensations of heat, flushing, and sweating that may occur several times a day or at night — often disrupting sleep and causing fatigue.

6. Take Care of Your Own Mental and Emotional Health

Rebuild your connection with your body, your desires, and your self-worth. Balance your love for your partner with love for yourself.

If you struggle with expressing needs or feeling shame around sexuality, you may benefit from our program Overcoming Shame, designed to help women build healthier sexual self-confidence.

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If you are preparing for marriage, consider joining the Bridal Boot Camp to understand relational needs and healthy communication before committing.

Is a Relationship With a Narcissistic Man Doomed to Fail?

Not necessarily—but success depends on one crucial condition:

Does he acknowledge his narcissism?

And does he genuinely want to change?

Without this, the relationship becomes a source of chronic emotional exhaustion.

For a deeper analysis, read: Does Marriage Make Women Happier?

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FAQ: Narcissistic Men in Bed

1. Can a narcissistic man change?
Yes—but only if he is aware of his behavior and genuinely willing to undergo therapy.
2. Does sexual narcissism affect my self-esteem?
Very much. It makes you feel your desires do not matter and damages sexual confidence.
3. How do I know if I’m in a toxic relationship?
If low desire comes with vaginal dryness, fatigue, or mood changes, check your testosterone, prolactin, and estrogen levels with your doctor.
4. Should I leave him?

It’s a personal decision. But if the relationship is harmful and cannot be fixed, your safety and emotional well-being come first.

Conclusion

The traits of a narcissistic man in bed are not minor details—they are red flags that can evolve into a deeply harmful relationship if not handled with awareness, boundaries, and support. Above all, remember that your desire, comfort, emotional safety, and dignity are not secondary—they are basic rights. Make sure you give yourself the tools you deserve for a healthier emotional and sexual life.

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