Narcissistic abuse doesn’t always leave bruises—but it leaves deep marks on your mind, heart, and sense of self.
Dear Survivor,
If you’ve ever walked away from a relationship feeling small, confused, or like you no longer recognized yourself, you are not alone. Many survivors struggle to understand what happened, especially when the abuse wasn’t loud or obvious. Narcissistic abuse is often silent, hidden in plain sight, and hard to name.
Narcissistic abuse is a pattern of emotional and psychological manipulation used by someone with narcissistic traits to control, devalue, and dominate others.
It doesn’t start with cruelty. It starts with charm. Narcissists often use a tactic called love bombing: overwhelming you with praise, attention, and affection. It feels intoxicating at first, like you’ve finally found someone who sees you. But that idealization phase quickly turns into devaluation—subtle criticism, guilt trips, shifting blame, and emotional withdrawal.
Eventually, survivors are left walking on eggshells, unsure of what will trigger the next mood swing or silent treatment. Narcissistic abuse thrives in confusion. It relies on gaslighting, projection, and emotional coercion to keep you doubting your reality.
Here’s what it can look like:
- Being told you’re “too sensitive” when hurt by cruel comments
- Feeling like nothing you do is ever good enough
- Being isolated from friends and family “for your own good”
- Apologizing constantly just to keep the peace
- Questioning your own memory after repeated gaslighting
The damage is slow and cumulative. Survivors often say, “I didn’t even know it was abuse until I got out.”
If this resonates with you, please know that your experience is valid. You don’t have to minimize it just because the harm was invisible. Naming narcissistic abuse is a powerful first step toward reclaiming your truth.
For more clarity on what this kind of relationship can look like, download the Types of Abuse Worksheet. It’s a gentle tool to help you see patterns without judgment.
You are not imagining it. You are not overreacting. You are waking up to your worth.
Blessings and healing,
Catrina
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