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My own personal experience of the abuse and what it did to me
Hindsight is a wonderful thing and now, fortunately, a few years down the line from walking out on my emotionally abusive partner, I can now finally accept that I’d fallen victim to a manipulating and controlling boyfriend. Being able to pen that last sentence down makes my eyes well up with tears of pride because, for years, I was in denial about suffering from narcissistic abuse syndrome. I constantly used to make excuses for my ex and all the cruel things he’d do to me. No matter how many times he’d make me feel worthless and about an inch tall, I’d always find it in me to forgive him and would systematically convince myself that he’d change whilst he ripped my heart out. A relationship with a narcissist is no walk in the park, but my past relationships, although they were less toxic, were difficult too, meaning it was tough for me to realize that I was a victim of narcissistic abuse. Here are the signs you need to look out for that you too are a victim.
>>> Read; How a narcissistic relationship changed me
10 Symptoms of narcissistic abuse - Signs you are a victim of it
1) You often feel humiliated
If you constantly feel awkward and made to feel small in the presence of your partner, for example, then you need to start doing some serious thinking. In my experience, whenever I spent time with our mutual friends, my ex would always make inappropriate jokes and comments about me and my appearance to put me down. If you feel like verbal abuse is a factor when you are with them in public, then this is also a huge red flag that shouldn’t be ignored.
2) Your opinion never matters
Someone with a narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) will never take your opinion into consideration, no matter how much of an expert you are in a certain field. These individuals always believe they know best and will therefore do everything in their power to ignore and shut down other people’s opinions and inputs.
3) Your feelings are always cast aside
It’s a well-known fact that these folks lack empathy and struggle to understand other people’s feelings. All healthy relationships are based on being able to talk about things you are going through and sharing your emotions. If this isn’t the case, and you feel like you are walking on eggshells every time you feel upset, then questions need to be asked, and fast!
4) You feel controlled
Narcissistic partners love being in the driving seat and controlling everything in their lives, including YOU! If you can’t plan anything with friends without your partner trying to talk you out of it, then you have a problem on your hands. Alternatively, if your partner demands to see your phone and check your messages, whilst agreeing on whom you can see and talk to, then you need to walk away because this is an accident waiting to happen.
5) You are constantly feeling inexplicably guilty
Many victims of this devious abuse feel guilty for what they are being subjected to, and some even fully believe that it is their fault. Indeed, abusers are so good at manipulating our feelings that they often succeed in making us believe that we are to blame when arguments flare up. The same principle applies to cases where physical abuse surfaces; if your abuser lost their cool, it is your fault for winding them up...
6) Your stress and anxiety are off the charts
The narcissist abuse syndrome frequently means that victims suffer from intense bouts of anxiety and stress, which they struggle to manage effectively. The heartache and constant attacks mean they are particularly vulnerable to feeling like a prisoner to their emotions.
>>> Discover the 5 symptoms of anxiety
7) Outsiders notice you have changed
Believe it or not, anyone can fall victim to narcissistic abuse, and it is so relentless that it can turn even the most sociable of people into empty shells of themselves. When people remark that you seem to have changed, it is not without reason and is a worrying sign that the abuse is taking its toll.
8) You are scared of your partner/friend/abuser
Here, a raised voice, a simple disagreement, or a silly throwaway comment are enough to put you on edge and make you worry about your safety.
9) You feel dependent
Yet, despite everything your abuser puts you through, you still feel indebted to them, because after all, everyone has some saving points right? Perhaps you even feel like they saved you and that no one else could love you in the same way that they do?
10) Your confidence is at rock bottom
Narcissistic partners and abusers are very talented in the art of putting us down and destroying our confidence. For them, wrecking our self-esteem is essential to keeping us onside and ensuring that we won’t leave them and expose the horrors that they inflict.
>>> Learn exactly Who narcissists target
What is a narcissistic rage episode?
Narcissistic rage is the uncontrollable and unexpected anger that results from the manipulator being rattled or angered. Now, the rage comes in many forms, both violence or physical, however, the result is always the same, these folks want to do damage, get revenge, and scare their victims. These episodes of rage are based on fear and will continue even after the threat is gone. In the narcissist, the rage is directed at the person they believe has disrespected them, whereas in other people, the rage is seen as inconsistent and unfair. This anger alters their cognition, thus impairing their judgment, and making them prone to shouting and slandering.
How does a narcissist treat a woman?
The narcissist abuser floods their victim's life with a seemingly indestructible love, then, when the hold is total, dismantles one by one the stones of this love building to punish or degrade their partner. Under the guise of humor, the narcissist does not hesitate to humiliate his or her spouse with small inappropriate jokes. In the same logic, he or she may also have fun destabilizing his or her spouse by including him or her in major life projects such as moving abroad, buying a car or starting a business, before insinuating that his or her victim is perhaps not worthy of his or her love.
When the abuser knows he has gone far enough to hurt you on purpose, he will soon return to complimenting you and praising your qualities to those around them. Don't think that this is a way to make up for the fact that he loves you, he's just trying to confuse you. Yes, they blow hot and cold, and it shows in the way you feel about them too: you love him despite the way they talk to you and acts with you. In the end, you end up doing more and more and accepting more and more, hoping to get the relationship back to the way it was when it started. This will never happen.
Editor’s opinion - The effects of narcissistic abuse are unforgivableRecognizing you are in a toxic situation and having the strength to walk away from it is certainly commendable. Having the force of character to break the cycle of abuse whilst holding your head high may seem insurmountable, but with the right support system in place, anything is possible. Although, the scars of the abuse will remain, they will fade over time, and victims, just like me, will eventually get their lives and personalities back. There is light at the end of this gloomy tunnel! 🤗 Understand yourself, accept yourself, be happy... Let’s do it here and now! #BornToBeMe |
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