From VICE · Ashley Fike · · 40s
Why People Date Narcissists
Science reveals why some people stay with manipulative partners.
In brief
Science reveals why some people stay with manipulative partners. People prefer partners with similar dark traits like narcissism, even when violence is involved. Originally reported by VICE.
Ted Bundy's love letters
People date narcissists despite warning signs because they see them as perfect boyfriends.
University of São Paulo study
Researchers surveyed 400 Brazilian adults to find why people date manipulative partners.
Dark Triad traits
People who score higher in narcissism, manipulation, and psychopathy prefer similar partners.
Hypothetical partner ratings
Kind partners scored nearly 6 on attractiveness scale while violent partners scored 1.5.
The big picture
People prefer partners with similar dark traits like narcissism, even when violence is involved.
