Narcissistic abuse trains your brain to believe that every decision comes with a hidden trap. When you’ve been constantly criticized, second-guessed, or even punished for making the wrong choice, your nervous system starts associating decisions with fear. Dr. Caroline Leaf, a cognitive neuroscientist, explains that chronic stress rewires the brain to expect negative outcomes, making even small decisions feel paralyzing.
You become stuck in overthinking mode, analyzing every possible consequence—not because the choice itself is difficult, but because your brain is bracing for backlash. The problem is, this habit doesn’t just disappear when the narcissist is gone. You might find yourself obsessing over tiny details, asking others for reassurance, or avoiding decisions altogether just to escape the anxiety.
The good news is that your brain can unlearn this fear. Healing starts with reminding yourself that you are in control now and that no one is waiting to punish you for making a choice. The more you practice making small decisions without guilt, the easier it becomes to trust yourself again.
Number Seven: You Become Highly Sensitive to Tone and Micro-Expressions
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