You recently discovered that your partner may be a narcissist. They have all the hallmark characteristics like an inflated sense of self, inability to take responsibility for their actions, and manipulation. You decide it’s time to really evaluate if you want to continue this toxic relationship
4 Tips to BreakingUp with a Narcissist
We’re here to help by listing 4 important reasons to leave your narcissistic partner. Let’s get right into it.
Verbal And Emotional Abuse
Narcissists are known for being verbally and emotionally abusive to their partners. Abuse, in any form, is never acceptable in a relationship. Unfortunately, narcissists cannot be whom they are without using some form of psychological abuse, and it’s usually directed toward their romantic partner. After all, they wear a mask around others, so they don’t see them for who they are. Typically, the abuse will happen behind closed doors.
Common Narcissistic Abuse Tactics
- Gaslighting
- Manipulation
- Yelling
- Belittling
- Name-calling
Trauma Bonding
Trauma bonding can be described as an emotional bond with someone that is the result of abuse followed by periods of good treatment from the abuser. It’s a bond that’s created from the constant highs and lows of a narcissistic relationship. This type of bond can be incredibly harmful and toxic to the partner of the narcissist, and it’s often what makes it so challenging for them to leave the narcissist. Essentially, they are always waiting for that “high” to come back around.
It’s important to keep in mind that a trauma bond is not love or a genuine connection. Instead, it’s a connection that’s been established through unhealthy and toxic behaviors at the hands of the narcissist. It’s just another important reason to leave a narcissistic relationship.
Your Reality Will Be Distorted
A common form of narcissistic abuse is gaslighting, as we mentioned above. Not only is gaslighting a form of manipulation but it’s also used maliciously to make you question your own reality. Narcissists will never want to be held accountable for their wrongdoings or toxic behavior, so they flip the script to make you start to question yourself.
A partner who gaslights you are not safe to be around. This form of psychological abuse can have lasting, damaging effects on your mental well-being. It makes you question your feelings and thoughts, and it leads you to not believe in yourself or reality anymore.
They Aren’t Capable of Unconditional Love
One of the most important reasons to leave your narcissistic partner is because they will never be capable of unconditional love. Narcissists put conditions on everything, and if you aren’t giving them exactly what they want – they will retaliate in toxic and abusive ways. The sad truth about narcissists is that they don’t love themselves, and this means they will never be able to fully trust and love another.
Conclusion:
It’s important to not take their lack of love personally. So often, people will stay with a narcissist because they believe they are the ones who can change them. Unfortunately, narcissists are rarely capable of change. They lack the self-awareness and emotional empathy it requires to truly have a healthy, loving relationship.