A unique kind of guilt follows. Letting go of this person feels like a betrayal, even though they were the ones who betrayed you repeatedly. Narcissists convince their partners that it’s their responsibility to save them, to fix them, to love them more. So, when you finally walk away, you’re left with an inexplicable guilt for abandoning the person you felt it was your duty to heal.
Anxiety and loneliness creep in, too. Narcissists create a vicious cycle where they are both the cause of your pain and the source of your comfort. After they hurt you, they swoop in to soothe you—making you dependent on them for the very comfort you need to heal from the wounds they inflicted. Without them, even after the breakup, there’s an emptiness that feels unbearable.
Despite the lies and broken promises, part of you still holds onto hope. Maybe they can change. Maybe they meant it when they promised they would. Narcissists are masters of manipulation, and they know exactly how to dangle that sliver of hope in front of you, even after the relationship ends.
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