When someone chips away at your sense of self in the name of love, that is not love.
Dear Survivor,
Sometimes, survivors of narcissistic abuse don’t realize they’re being harmed until the damage is done. The signs are often subtle, wrapped in affection or disguised as concern. But behind the charm is a pattern of control, devaluation, and emotional instability.
If you’ve been feeling confused, drained, or silenced in your relationship, here are ten narcissistic relationship signs.
1. Love bombing at the beginning
They shower you with praise, gifts, and constant attention early on. It feels magical—too good to be true—and often, it is.
2. You’re always to blame
Conflicts are never their fault. Even when they hurt you, somehow the conversation ends with you apologizing.
3. Emotional rollercoasters
Their moods change without warning. One moment you’re adored, the next you’re ignored or criticized.
4. Gaslighting
They deny things they’ve said or done. You begin to question your memory, your instincts, even your sanity.
5. Control disguised as concern
They may isolate you from friends or family under the guise of “protecting you” or claiming “they’re bad for you.”
6. Backhanded compliments
They tear you down through subtle jabs. “You’d be pretty if you just…” or “No one else would put up with you like I do.”
7. Jealousy and possessiveness
They act entitled to your time, attention, and energy—and lash out when they don’t get it.
8. Inconsistency
Their words don’t match their actions. Promises are made and broken. Apologies come without changed behavior.
9. Walking on eggshells
You constantly monitor your tone, expressions, or words to avoid setting them off.
10. You feel like you’ve lost yourself
You no longer recognize the person you were before the relationship. Your confidence, energy, and joy feel distant.
If these signs feel familiar, please know you are not alone. What you’re feeling is real. You deserve safety, truth, and love that honors you.
To learn more about how narcissistic patterns show up in relationships, download the Red Flags of Abuse Freebie. It’s a gentle, eye-opening guide for anyone unsure about what they’re experiencing.
You are allowed to trust your gut. You are allowed to walk away.
Blessings and healing,
Catrina
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