- Keeping Childhood Toys as a Symbol of Lost Innocence One of the effects of narcissistic abuse is losing your sense of self, including your innocence. You may miss your old self so much that keeping childhood toys helps remind you of who you were before the abuse—carefree, curious, and full of hope.
Lindsay Gibson, author of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, explains that these objects can serve as emotional placeholders. They help you reconnect with parts of yourself that were overshadowed by trauma. When your identity has been chipped away, those toys become a quiet reminder of the person you’re working to reclaim or rebuild.
Trauma expert Dr. Judith Herman states in Trauma and Recovery that survivors often seek physical reminders of their pre-trauma selves to reconnect with who they truly are. It’s not just hoarding—it’s an act of reclaiming. Those toys aren’t just objects; they’re symbols of resilience and the hope that your innocence and joy aren’t entirely lost.
- Stashing Receipts of Every Purchase If you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse, you might have been constantly questioned or accused of spending too much, wasting money, or not being truthful about purchases. Holding on to receipts helps you feel like you have proof in case you’re ever put on the spot again.
Victims often keep meticulous records as a way to ground themselves in reality when their abuser twists the truth. Beyond that, it can also feel like a way to regain control. Narcissistic abuse often leaves you feeling powerless and second-guessing your decisions. Stashing receipts is like saying, “I have the facts, and I’m in control of this part of my life.” It’s a safety net, a way to rebuild trust in yourself after someone made you feel like you couldn’t.
Continue reading on the next page
Sharing is caring!
