How narcissism affects romantic relationships (English, Level A1)

Narcissism can change many romantic relationships over time.
People often think narcissists are charming at first.
They expect these partners will harm the relationship later.
Researchers followed couples for several years to study this.
The study measured two kinds of narcissism.
One kind tries to impress other people.
The other kind puts other people down to feel superior.
Rivalry traits linked to lower satisfaction for both partners.
Admiration did not affect partner satisfaction.
Early relationships showed no clear link.

Difficult words

narcissism — a strong focus on oneself and image

romantic — about love or close relationships

researcher — a person who studies things to learn facts

Researchers

impress — to make someone admire you or notice you

rivalry — competition between people or groups

satisfaction — a feeling of being pleased or happy

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

17 Feb 2026

Speed training may lower dementia risk in older adults

A long-term randomized study found that adults 65 and older who completed speed-of-processing training, with later booster sessions, were less likely to be diagnosed with dementia up to twenty years later.

Level

Read

9 Feb 2022

Connie Nshemereirwe: linking science, policy and education in Africa

Connie Nshemereirwe is an educational measurement specialist and former engineer who promotes Africa-led research, better science communication and stronger ties among scientists in the global South. She also directs the Africa Science Leadership Program.

Level

Read

8 Dec 2025

T cells in tonsils differ from T cells in blood

A study found that T cells in the tonsils are different from T cells in blood. Researchers say doctors and scientists should study tissue T cells as well as blood to understand vaccines and immunotherapies.

Level

Read

28 May 2026

Study finds no major health harms from wind turbines

Researchers studied households near wind turbines using location and purchase data. They found no moderate-to-large health effects at typical distances, but said very small, hard-to-detect effects cannot be ruled out.

Level

Read

2 Dec 2025

GLO1 helps the brain fight calcium damage

Yale researchers found that the protein GLO1 rises in young brains when cellular calcium is high and then falls with age. In animals with an altered RyR2 channel, loss of GLO1 activity linked to worse memory.

Level

Read

How narcissism affects romantic relationships^{CEFR A1}

Difficult words

Discussion questions

Related articles

Speed training may lower dementia risk in older adults

Connie Nshemereirwe: linking science, policy and education in Africa

T cells in tonsils differ from T cells in blood

Study finds no major health harms from wind turbines

GLO1 helps the brain fight calcium damage

How narcissism affects romantic relationships CEFR A1

Difficult words

Discussion questions

Related articles

Speed training may lower dementia risk in older adults

Connie Nshemereirwe: linking science, policy and education in Africa

T cells in tonsils differ from T cells in blood

Study finds no major health harms from wind turbines

GLO1 helps the brain fight calcium damage

How narcissism affects romantic relationships^{CEFR A1}