In relationships with narcissists, those involved often end up wondering about their sense of reality. Relationships with Narcissists often start with excitement and many promises (known as the love bombing phase) but often lead to a tough cycle of emotional ups and downs. It’s not easy to recognize the signs of narcissistic abuse because the … Read more
There’s nothing like the thrill of the chase to get the dopamine flowing. Knowing someone’s pursuing you feeds the ego and makes you feel special, which is why many narcissists find it addictive. Narcissists love being chased because it puts them in control and boosts their fragile egos. It provides them with a sense of … Read more
Imagine your partner accusing you of being a narcissist, saying you must always be the center of attention, constantly seek admiration from others, and lack empathy for their feelings. Being called a narcissist is never pleasant, but it’s especially hurtful when there’s no truth. Sadly, narcissists accuse others of being narcissistic because they tend to … Read more
Narcissists aren’t always hypochondriacs, but they may display symptoms that suggest a certain degree of illness anxiety disorder. Some psychologists believe “Narcissistic personalities are particularly vulnerable to hypochondria,” while others maintain they’re more likely to suffer from factitious disorder. So, what’s the difference? Hypochondria is an anxiety disorder that causes the sufferer to imagine physical … Read more
Narcissists are a resilient bunch who are less likely to feel stressed or depressed than the rest of us. It hardly seems fair. Their actions and behavior have such a negative impact on those around them! This resilience means it can be challenging to make a narcissist feel bad. No matter what you say, they … Read more
A narcissistic breakdown happens when someone with narcissistic personality disorder feels vulnerable or exposed and can’t rely on their usual defenses to cope. This breakdown is a response to their narcissistic supply being cut off or changed, and it can result in narcissists acting enraged, impulsive, or extremely defensive. Because narcissists have fragile self-esteem, they … Read more
Narcissists underestimate others because it makes them feel powerful and entitled. They often look down on people once they realize their inevitable humanness. Because narcissists often see things from a black-or-white perspective, anything that’s less than perfect is perceived to be a failure. Once they start devaluing another person, the underestimating begins. Although feeling underestimated … Read more
When you were a baby, you copied everything your mother did. You breathed in when she inhaled, exhaled when she did, smiled when she smiled and cried when you saw she was sad. This was how you learned how to communicate and engage with other people, and it’s what you continue to do to create … Read more
It’s tempting to give narcissists the benefit of the doubt, especially if you’re in love with one. You might want to believe that they’re unaware of their destructive behavior and that their manipulative ways are completely subconscious. Many people who’ve struggled to survive a narcissistic relationship have asked themselves, “Do narcissists know what they are … Read more
Your decision and ability to ignore a narcissist’s hoover is the catalyst for breaking the narcissistic abuse cycle. Just like the Hoover vacuum cleaner, narcissists work hard to “suck” their victims back into their orbits. Rejecting these hoovering efforts often magnifies their gaslighting, harms their ego, and triggers their narcissistic rage. The more you can … Read more