I'm a psychologist and this romantic gesture could indicate your partner is a narcissist
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A psychologist has revealed the specific trait that could show your partner is a narcissist. 'Future-faking' - when someone makes promises or describes (usually plausible) plans but never follows through on them - is one of a handful of traits which, together, can add up to narcissism.
![[Dr Ramani explains that a narcissistic partner's future-faking keeps the other person stuck in the relationship]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/08/15/93795803-14255053-image-a-6_1736349192040.jpg)
'It entails making promises to change, promises about future events or future wants that the other person - you - in the relationship wants,' said Los Angeles-based psychologist Dr Ramani Durvasula. However, in a YouTube video she explained that the narcissist's 'goal' in actuality is keeping the relationship together or getting whatever they want from the other person instead.
![[A future-faker makes promises or describes (usually plausible) plans for the future but never follows through on them (stock image)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/08/15/61874593-14255053-She_explained_that_the_narcissist_will_likely_become_very_agitat-a-3_1736348890848.jpg)
Future-fakers will also declare a particular timeframe for the promise or plan to come to fruition or, alternatively, name a life event that must occur first, for example, getting a new job. Yet when the deadline comes, the pledge does not materialise.
But while other narcissistic characteristics, such as gaslighting, are more clear cut, future-faking is 'grey'. What makes it so difficult to perceive is its similarity to common, generally harmless - and even positive - traits, such as being hopeful or planning for the future.
Los Angeles-based psychologist Dr Ramani Durvasula (pictured) discusses the narcissistic trait of future-faking on YouTube, where she has 1.85 million subscribers. After all, future-fakers' promises and plans are more often than not highly believable. There is, however, a key difference - and it's particularly pronounced in the context of a romantic relationship with a narcissistic person.
