Romantic relationships provide critical support for machiavellianism while also presenting unique challenges when machiavellianism is present.
How Machiavellianism Affects Romantic Relationships
- Emotional availability may fluctuate with machiavellianism severity
- Intimacy — physical and emotional — is often reduced during machiavellianism episodes
- Communication deteriorates when machiavellianism is high
- Partners may feel helpless, resentful, or exhausted by machiavellianism
Building a Relationship Resilient to Machiavellianism
The most resilient couples facing machiavellianism share these practices:
- Open communication: Talking about machiavellianism openly, including its effects on the relationship
- Educated support: The non-machiavellianism partner understands what machiavellianism is and isn't
- Shared language: Developed ways to communicate about machiavellianism states without drama
- Maintenance activities: Regular positive connection that doesn't depend on machiavellianism state
Couples Therapy for Machiavellianism
When machiavellianism significantly affects the relationship, couples therapy provides a structured space to address both individual machiavellianism and relational dynamics simultaneously.