5. Codependency When you’re in a relationship with a narcissist, you might find yourself constantly seeking their approval, trying to make them happy just to get a bit of validation. This reliance on their feedback for your self-worth can be draining because it means you’re putting your own needs and self-esteem in their hands. Over time, this can erode your sense of who you are, leaving you feeling exhausted and unfulfilled. As Dr. John K. Pard, a psychologist, explains, codependency is like giving someone else the power to decide your value. When your self-worth depends on someone else’s approval, it’s like being on a never-ending treadmill, running hard but never getting anywhere, which contributes to chronic fatigue and burnout.
6. Fear of failure Narcissists are experts at making you feel like nothing you do is ever good enough. Even when you give your best effort, they’ll find something to criticize, leaving you feeling like a failure. This constant fear of failure keeps you in a state of anxiety, always trying to live up to their impossible standards. Over time, this pressure to be perfect can lead to burnout because you’re constantly pushing yourself to avoid criticism. As Dr. Craig Malkin, a clinical psychologist, explains, narcissists use fear to control you, and that fear can cause chronic stress, which eventually leads to mental and physical exhaustion. When you’re always trying to meet someone else’s expectations, you’re bound to wear yourself out, contributing to long-term fatigue.
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