Never ignore the weird habits that you or someone you know may have after living with a narcissist. These behaviors or mannerisms might seem odd or out of place, but they are survival tools that once served a very real purpose. Living with a narcissist can turn everyday life into a constant guessing game. You never quite know what’s coming next, so you start to develop habits to cope. These habits often stick with you long after the relationship ends.
Today, we’re diving into ten of the most common and strangest habits people pick up after experiencing life with a narcissist.
1. Quickly Looking Away When Noticed
Have you ever found yourself quickly looking away the moment someone catches your gaze? It might seem strange, but this is a common habit among people who’ve lived with a narcissist. In such environments, you learn to act as if you’re perpetually avoiding a spotlight—one that was often glaring and unforgiving. Constant scrutiny makes even a simple glance feel like someone is trying to unravel you. Eye contact becomes less about connection and more about vulnerability.
2. Mirroring Others’ Moods
Blending in becomes an art form when you’ve lived with a narcissist. You start mirroring the moods of everyone around you, becoming an emotional chameleon. If they’re upbeat, you smile. If they’re tense, you quickly grow serious. This isn’t about fitting in for fun—it’s a survival tactic. Psychologist Dr. Lindsay Gibson explains that people raised around narcissists develop hyperawareness of others’ emotional states because they learn early on that one wrong move can trigger chaos. Over time, this habit can disconnect you from your own emotions.
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