7. You Experienced Gaslighting
During the relationship, your perceptions, emotions, judgments, and memories were invalidated. Perhaps you noticed this while you were still in the relationship but couldn’t believe someone you loved would do this to you. Either way, once you gain some distance, you’ll realize how your thoughts, opinions, and judgments were constantly undermined, and your credibility and value were always being questioned. Hopefully, you’ve learned to trust your instincts. If something feels off or behaviors make you uncomfortable, don’t ignore it—address it respectfully and assertively. Pay close attention to their reaction: do they immediately get defensive or act immaturely and impulsively? If so, you may need to reevaluate the situation and set clear boundaries.
8. You Will Learn About Yourself
In a relationship with a narcissist, you’re likely to meet your shadow side—the darker aspects of your own character—which the narcissist will poke at by exploiting your insecurities, emotional triggers, and psychological vulnerabilities. One benefit of being in a relationship with a narcissist is that, once it’s over, it often forces you to confront unanswered questions—first about them, and then about yourself. You may feel so lost and confused that you have no choice but to engage in deep introspection and personal development to rebuild your sense of self. This can be an opportunity for self-reflection and transformation as you confront your own fears, dependency needs, self-worth issues, and unhealthy attitudes or behaviors.
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