Boyfriend is TOO proud, advice?

[Anonymous]

I'm getting sick and tired of his pride. He's too proud to do this, settle for that, complains about things being not good enough for him, sets his standards waaay too high, etc...too many times I've tried to tell him that something isn't "less" or "worse" but he doesn't listen. Most of the time it's small things that don't matter but I really dislike this attitude. I try to be realistic and explain to him how unrealistic his expectations/standards are but he won't budge.

Has anyone had to deal with a partner who's prideful? I don't know what I could possibly do to tame this. But if I think about it, it's not enough for me to break up with him because everything else about him is great. Thanks for any help!

[Stacyzee]

You can't change how someone has been their entire life, unless they want to change that part of themself.

He has to be aware that his expectations are too high. If he doesn't see that has a problem, then he isn't going to change.

This is just a part of him you're going to have to accept.

All of our partners have flaws, some are more bareable than others.

But if you love him, then you have to take that as a part of the package.

[Asker]

ok thanks. I'll see what I can do.

[palek]

Just whip up a little choolate pie laced with excrement, and feed him a slice every day for a week. When he's eaten every last bite of it, tell him what you did. Then tell him if his attitude doesn't improve immeasurably, you'll tell everyone he knows what he's eaten.

[sa230e]

I wonder if you might be dating a narcissist? Obviously I don't know the guy and I'm certainly not a doctor but read your description of him again and then read the diagnostic criteria for NPD: link

[Asker]

nope, not at all. I'd say he's a perfectionist or an idealist. in either case he just needs to get off his high horse...at least that's how I feel.