- Gaslighting: Gaslighting is using manipulation to force you into thinking your thoughts and feelings are incorrect. For example, they may deny events that happened, potentially causing you to experience confusion and self-doubt.
- Love bombing followed by devaluation: This narcissistic trait involves showering you with love, attention, affection, and praise. Eventually, however, behaviors of criticism, distance, and cynicism may occur. This pattern often repeats, which creates a cycle of highs and lows that may keep you emotionally dependent.
- Lack of empathy: In a relationship, a lack of empathy can look like dismissing your feelings, ignoring your needs, or being indifferent when facing difficulties.
- Constant criticism and blame: You might notice that they constantly criticize you for small things or make you feel inadequate, often shifting blame to you for problems in the relationship. They may say, “You made me do this,” or, “If you hadn’t done X, I wouldn’t have reacted this way.”
- Isolation: They may try to isolate you from friends, family, or other support systems. This could manifest as creating conflict or making you feel guilty for spending time with others.
- Walking on eggshells: If you feel you need to soothe someone more often than not or try to avoid setting them off or being overly cautious with your words or actions, this is a sign of emotional instability caused by narcissistic abuse.
- The Silent Treatment: Can follow any of the above.
- Cognitive Dissonance: The mental discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes.
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