Narcissists rely on their victims for emotional sustenance. Like parasites, they feed off your emotions to feel alive. Without this source of validation, they feel empty and powerless. To a narcissist, you are an extension of themselves—a representation of what they aspire to be but cannot achieve. This makes it incredibly difficult for them to let you go, especially if you are their primary source of support.
The Charade of Change
When they sense you’re ready to leave, narcissists may act like the person you’ve always wished they could be. They make dramatic promises, offer to go to therapy, and seem to change their behavior. However, these efforts are rarely genuine. Instead, they are calculated attempts to keep you trapped.
Even in therapy, progress is often superficial. Narcissists may manipulate the therapist or shift the blame onto you. Eventually, they revert to their old patterns because their true nature hasn’t changed.
How to Protect Yourself
- Question Their Motives: Reflect on their behavior patterns. Have they consistently cycled between kindness and cruelty? What makes you believe this time will be different?
- Journal Your Thoughts: Writing can help you gain clarity and resist the urge to fall for their promises.
- Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends, family, or a therapist who understands narcissistic abuse.
- Stay Objective: Observe their actions, not just their words. Genuine change requires consistent effort, not temporary gestures.
Breaking Free
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