Sometimes, the greatest act of strength is the choice not to respond.
Dear Survivor,
There was a time in my own healing when I believed I had to defend myself against every jab, every sideways comment, every accusation. The bait was so tempting — a pointed comment about my parenting, a snide remark about my work ethic — and before I knew it, I was emotionally hijacked, fighting to prove my worth to someone who never intended to see it.
If you’ve ever been there, I want you to know: you are not alone.
One of the most powerful shifts we can make in recovery from narcissistic abuse, domestic violence (DV), and other abusive relationships is learning that we don’t have to take the bait. We don’t have to explain, justify, or defend ourselves when someone tries to pull us into their emotional chaos.
When a narcissist or manipulator throws out those hooks — criticizing your parenting, questioning your values, belittling your achievements — it’s not because they are seeking truth. It’s because they are seeking control.
Their goal is not to understand you; it’s to derail you. Their goal is not connection; it’s domination.
And you, dear Survivor, have full permission to not engage. You can breathe, pause, pivot — or simply walk away. You do not owe anyone your emotional energy, especially someone who has shown you that they will only use it against you.
At first, choosing not to respond will feel uncomfortable. Your body may scream for you to defend yourself. Your mind may race with all the clever comebacks you could unleash. That’s okay. It’s part of unlearning the survival patterns that once kept you safe.
Practice it anyway. Choose silence. Choose peace. Choose you.
The more you practice, the easier it becomes. The bait will lose its shine. The hooks will dull. And you will find yourself anchored firmly in your own power.
If you’re ready to deepen your healing and reclaim your emotional freedom, I invite you to explore The Recovery Roadmap — a compassionate, step-by-step guide designed specifically for survivors just like you.
You are worthy of a life where your peace is non-negotiable.
Blessings and healing,
#SurvivorStrong #NarcissisticAbuseRecovery #DVSurvivor #EmotionalAbuseAwareness #RecoveryJourney #HealingAfterAbuse #DontTakeTheBait