The mental prison created by a narcissistic relationship is one of the most debilitating aspects. The intermittent nature of the narcissist’s behavior makes it extremely hard to leave. You get trapped in a cycle of hope and despair. On good days, you might feel like everything is perfect and that the relationship is worth saving. On bad days, you might feel like you’re walking on eggshells, trying to avoid triggering another outburst.
This erratic behavior leads you to doubt yourself, your perceptions, and your worth. You might begin to think that you’re the problem, that you’re the one who needs to change to keep the narcissist happy. This self-blame and confusion only deepen the trauma bond, making it even harder to break free.