What Does a Narcissistic Husband Look Like?

Marriage is meant to be a safe haven—a reflection of God’s love, unity, and sacrifice. Yet for many women, the reality is very different. Instead of tenderness, they encounter pride, control, and emotional abuse at the hands of a narcissistic husband.

At ComeBroken.co.uk, we believe in bringing these hidden struggles into the light and offering hope, healing, and biblical truth.

What Does a Narcissistic

Husband Look Like?

Psychologically, a narcissistic husband often shows traits such as:

• Constant need for admiration – He thrives on being praised but rarely affirms his wife.

• Lack of empathy – Her emotions are dismissed or belittled.

• Domineering presence – He wants conversations, decisions, and even prayers to revolve around him.

• Manipulation – Sometimes through charm, sometimes through anger or silent withdrawal.

  
  

Biologically, men naturally carry higher testosterone, linked to competitiveness and dominance. But without spiritual maturity and emotional balance, these God-given traits can turn into arrogance and self-centeredness.

The Bible warns:

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

The Role of Society and Culture

Society shapes men just as much as biology. Many cultures—even in the church—teach men that strength equals dominance and that women should endure quietly.

• Boys are taught never to show weakness.

• Success, money, and control are glorified as marks of manhood.

• Wives are pressured to submit even when it means enduring abuse

  
  

But God’s Word paints a different picture:

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25)

Christlike leadership is about sacrifice, not self-worship.

Why Narcissism Seems Common Among African Men

Though narcissism is a global issue, many African women recognize it strongly in their homes. Some reasons include:

• Patriarchal traditions that elevate men above women.

• Economic pressure that ties a man’s worth to money and success.

• Cultural silence that tells women to endure quietly rather than speak up.

• Religious misuse where submission is taught without balancing it with sacrificial love.

But God calls both men and women to humility:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

The Spiritual Root of Narcissism

At its core, narcissism is not just a personality issue—it is idolatry. A narcissistic husband worships self instead of God. He elevates his ego above his wife’s well-being, above God’s design for marriage, and above the humility of Christ.

Scripture describes it clearly:

“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive…” (2 Timothy 3:2)

But here’s the hope: God can break the chains of narcissism and heal broken marriages.

Hope for the Broken

If you are living with a narcissistic husband, know this: You are not alone.Your pain is real, and God sees it. At ComeBroken, we walk with women who feel unseen, unheard, and unloved in their marriages.

Jesus offers healing, comfort, and the courage to set healthy boundaries. He calls every husband to humility and every wife to freedom in His love.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

A narcissistic husband may look powerful on the outside, but behind the façade lies pride, insecurity, and spiritual emptiness. Culture may encourage it, psychology may explain it, but only Christ can transform it.

Until then, you are invited to find strength, healing, and sisterhood here with us at ComeBroken.co.uk

If you need one on one counselling, we offer a FREE initial 20 minute virtual counselling session - email us at willandefe@comebroken.co.uk

"Come Broken - But dont leave the same"