• When you can’t leave a narcissist, it may be because they have isolated you from friends and family: This is one of the classic moves that narcissists make to keep their victims under control. They want to limit your access to people who might help or support you so that they can maintain power over you. But let’s face it – no one puts baby in a corner!
• The narcissist might use financial control to make leaving seem impossible: Money talks, but sometimes it screams at us until we feel like there’s no way out. Narcissists know this all too well and will often manipulate finances as part of their abusive tactics.
• Fear of retaliation or physical harm can also prevent someone from leaving a narcissistic partner: It’s not uncommon for abusers to threaten violence against their partners if they try to leave. If only these guys could channel that energy into something more productive than trying to hold onto an unwilling partner…
• Narcissists often gaslight their partners, making them doubt their own perceptions and reality: Gaslighting is when someone manipulates another person by making them question what they see or hear with their own senses. It’s diabolical! And just plain wrong.
• Leaving a narcissist requires careful planning and support from trusted individuals: You don’t need Sherlock Holmes-level detective skills (although those would be handy) but having allies on your side makes getting away much easier.
• It’s important to seek professional help when dealing with the aftermath of leaving a narcissistic relationship: No shame here folks! Therapy is good for everyone – even if you haven’t been through abuse.
• A lack of self-esteem or confidence can make it difficult for some people to leave an abusive relationship: Sometimes our inner voice tells us we’re not strong enough, smart enough, pretty/handsome enough…whatever “enough” means today…to get out on our own two feet…but we are!
• Recognizing that the behavior is not normal or acceptable is an essential step in breaking free from a toxic dynamic with a narcissist: It’s easy to get sucked into thinking this type of treatment is normal. But it’s not! And you don’t deserve it.
• Victims of abuse may feel guilty about wanting to leave, but it’s crucial to prioritize personal safety and well-being over the abuser’s feelings: Let me say this again for those in the back – YOUR SAFETY COMES FIRST!
• Narcissists may use emotional manipulation to make their partner feel dependent on them: “I can’t live without you!”…sound familiar? This tactic can be effective at making someone believe they need their abuser – but let’s face it, no one needs that kind of negativity in their life.
• The narcissist might threaten to harm themselves if the victim tries to leave: “If I go down, I’m taking everyone with me!”…or just yourself. Either way, these types of threats should never be taken lightly.
• Victims of abuse may worry about losing custody of children or pets if they try to leave the abuser: Some people stay because they think leaving means giving up everything important in their lives. But there are resources available (like legal aid) which can help protect your rights as a parent/pet owner during separation proceedings.
• Financial dependence can also be a barrier for victims trying to leave a narcissistic relationship: Money makes the world go round…and sometimes keeps us stuck where we don’t want/need/wish/hope/dream/fantasize ourselves being…
• A lack of social support and feeling alone in dealing with the situation can prevent someone from leaving a narcissist: Being isolated by our partners isn’t always physical; sometimes its mental too. Feeling like nobody understands what you’re going through makes getting out much harder than necessary…
• Some people stay with a narcissistic partner because they believe that things will get better, but this is rarely the case without professional help: Let’s be real – if we could all heal ourselves of our emotional wounds and traumas just by wishing it so, then there’d be no need for therapy or support groups!
• Leaving an abusive relationship takes time and effort, and it’s important not to blame oneself for staying as long as one did: It’s easy to look back on past relationships (abusive or otherwise) with hindsight bias. But blaming yourself only adds insult to injury.
• It’s essential for those who are unable to leave a narcissist safely at present times, have access resources such as hotlines or shelters where professionals can provide guidance on how best navigate through these situations: Sometimes leaving isn’t possible right away. And that’s okay! There are people out there whose job it is to help you figure out your next steps…so don’t hesitate in reaching out!