# Why People Date Narcissists

> Science reveals why some people stay with manipulative partners.
- Title: Why People Date Narcissists · VICE | Shortify
- Summary: Science reveals why some people stay with manipulative partners. People prefer partners with similar dark traits like narcissism, even when violence is…
- Keywords: narcissism, dark triad, romantic preferences, psychopathy, manipulation, personality traits, news, culture, People, Date, Narcissists, VICE
- Source: VICE — https://vice.com/en/article/the-surprising-reason-some-people-keep-dating-narcissists-according-to-science
- Author: Ashley Fike
- Published: 2026-10-21T13:54:36+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: narcissism, dark triad, romantic preferences, psychopathy, manipulation, personality traits, news, culture
## 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.
## Key takeaway

People prefer partners with similar dark traits like narcissism, even when violence is involved.