The second habit is offering unnecessary apologies as a peace offering.
Every time you say, I’m sorry when it’s unwarranted, it’s like throwing blood into shark-infested waters. Narcissists thrive on guilt. They use your apologies as evidence that you’re “the crazy one.”
They might say, If you’re not wrong, why are you apologizing? You must have done something.
Your good intentions to preserve the relationship and maintain peace are weaponized against you. Instead of appreciating your sacrifices, they exploit them. The more you kneel, the higher they rise.
Habit 3: Seeking Approval
The third habit is seeking their approval.
A narcissist grooms you to depend on their validation, especially if they’re a parent or caretaker. Their approval becomes the ultimate prize, making you believe it defines your worth.
For example, gaining my father’s approval was the hardest thing I’ve ever tried to achieve. Even the smallest acknowledgment felt like a monumental victory. However, this dynamic feeds their sense of entitlement.
When you come to them for validation, it reinforces their grandiosity. See? They need me. I must be special, they think. It becomes a power play where they pull you down to their level or lower, just to reassert dominance.
Habit 4: Ignoring Red Flags
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