A narcissist wants you to rely on them for everything—money, validation, and emotional support—so they can control and belittle you.
Instead, build a network of people who genuinely care about you. I started with a coach and gradually formed connections with supportive friends and colleagues. These relationships transformed my healing journey.
Step 3: Stand Firm in Your Truth
Do not let anyone rewrite your story or invalidate your experiences.
For years, I betrayed myself to keep the peace. I fawned and adapted to survive. But once I chose to honor my truth, I stopped betraying myself. Did this anger people? Yes. Did it drive some away? Absolutely. But standing firm in my truth was the ultimate form of defiance.
Step 4: Love What They Made You Hate
Reclaim the passions, hobbies, and skills the narcissist ridiculed or suppressed.
For example, I was forced to suppress my love for animals. Once I had the freedom, I got cats, fish, and parrots. I explored philosophy, psychology, and other interests they tried to undermine. By embracing these parts of myself, I became the opposite of what they wanted me to be.
Step 5: Cultivate Forbidden Emotions
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