When you’re dealing with a narcissist, you might find yourself constantly walking on eggshells, trying to keep the peace by swallowing your feelings. It means you’re bottling up anger, sadness, or frustration just to avoid setting off the narcissist. But here’s the thing: suppressing your emotions doesn’t make them go away—it just buries them deeper. That hidden stress builds up over time. According to Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned psychologist, unexpressed emotions will never die; they are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways. This emotional suppression can feel like a weight on your chest, leading to chronic fatigue and burnout because your body and mind are constantly dealing with internal stress you’re not letting out.
Inconsistent Affection
Dealing with a narcissist can feel like riding an emotional rollercoaster. One moment they’re showering you with affection, and the next they’re ice-cold and distant. This hot-and-cold behavior keeps you on edge, constantly guessing what you did wrong or what you can do to get back in their good graces. It’s confusing and exhausting because you never know where you stand. This unpredictability drains your emotional energy. As psychotherapist Shannon Thomas puts it, narcissists keep their victims off-balance with inconsistent affection because it gives them power. This emotional whiplash not only makes you question your worth but also leaves you feeling worn out and mentally exhausted, contributing to burnout over time.
Codependency
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