Think about it—what’s the price you pay for staying engaged with a destructive narcissist? Is whatever so-called “good” they bring to the table worth all the extra negativity, criticism, shaming, phoniness, toxic gossip, and character assassination? Is it worth enduring all the mind games, the using, abusing, and gaslighting? Is playing the game of “let’s pretend they care” worth it? Tell yourself the dirt honest truth: is it worth the price you’re paying?
Depending on your situation, I understand that establishing personal sovereignty and autonomy may not happen overnight. But if you want to turn the tables and keep the narcissist in line, you must take your power back fully and completely, and that means establishing personal sovereignty and autonomy on every level.
Number seven: Just don’t go. And again, I get it—this may not be possible for everyone right out of the gate. Some of you are still married to or working with the toxic bully who’s making your life a living hell. So, I understand that not everything I suggest or recommend is going to work immediately or be appropriate for every situation.
That said, for many of you, the idea of simply “not going” is an option you haven’t even considered. Just opt out. Say, “No thank you,” “I’m busy,” “I can’t,” “I don’t feel up to it,” or “I have too many competing priorities right now.” It really can be that simple.
For some of you, you just need to give yourself permission to put yourself first for a change. When you’re not ready for no-contact, low-contact is an excellent strategy. It gives you the emotional space you need while you work toward fully cutting the cord, if and when you choose.
Continue reading on the next page
Sharing is caring!
