How dating a narcissist changes you

Dating in the modern world is a minefield, especially when you end up with a narcissist. A narcissist can be charming, attractive, and charismatic, but they are also selfish, manipulative, and emotionally abusive. It's easy to fall into their trap and not even realize it until it's too late. This article will explore how dating a narcissist changes you and what you can do to recover from the experience.

The Charm

Narcissists are charming, and that's what makes them so dangerous. They know how to make you feel special and loved, but it's all part of their game. They will flatter you, shower you with gifts, and make grand gestures to win you over. You will feel like you're the luckiest person in the world, but it's all an illusion. The charm is used to get you hooked on them so that they can control you.

The Manipulation

Once they have you under their spell, the manipulation begins. Narcissists are experts at manipulating people to get what they want. They will twist your words, make you doubt yourself, and play mind games to keep you under their control. They will make you feel like you're crazy, and that everything is your fault. This constant manipulation can change the way you view yourself and your relationships.

The Isolation

Narcissists want to be the center of attention, and they don't like it when you have other people in your life that take away from their spotlight. They will try to isolate you from your friends and family so that they can have complete control over you. They will make you feel guilty for spending time with anyone else and convince you that they are the only ones that truly care about you. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.

The Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse where the narcissist makes you doubt your own reality. They will tell you things didn't happen when they did or that they said something when they didn't. This constant manipulation can make it hard for you to trust your own memory and judgment. You'll start to question yourself and wonder if you're losing your mind.

The Low Self-Esteem

Narcissists thrive on making their partners feel inferior. They will criticize everything from your appearance to your intelligence. They'll tell you that you're lucky to have them because no one else would want someone like you. Over time, this constant criticism can cause your self-esteem to plummet.

The Codependency

Narcissists need constant attention and validation. They'll make their partners feel like they're the only ones that can provide them with what they need. This codependency can be hard to break out of because the partner feels like they need the narcissist just as much as the narcissist needs them.

The Recovery

Recovering from a relationship with a narcissist is not easy, but it is possible. Here are some tips on how to recover:

1) Cut Off Contact

The first step is to cut off all contact with the narcissist. This means blocking them on social media, deleting their phone number, and avoiding places where they might be. You need to focus on yourself and healing from the damage that has been done.

2) Seek Therapy

Therapy can help you work through the trauma of your relationship with a narcissist. A therapist can help you rebuild your self-esteem and learn to trust your own judgment again.

3) Build a Support System

Building a strong support system is essential in recovering from a relationship with a narcissist. Surround yourself with people who love and care about you, and who will support you as you heal.

4) Practice Self-Care

Self-care is crucial in recovering from a relationship with a narcissist. Take time to do things that make you happy, whether it's reading a book or taking a bubble bath. Focus on taking care of yourself and doing things that make you feel good.