Nobody wants to admit this, but some of our habits are products of our past experiences, especially the bad ones. The way we think, react, and even handle simple situations can be shaped by things we’ve been through, sometimes without us even realizing it. If you’ve ever been tangled up with a narcissist, chances are you’ve picked up certain habits that still linger long after they’re gone.
Today, we’ll talk about five everyday habits that reveal you were a victim of narcissistic abuse. Are you ready for number one?
1. You check your phone for bad news first thing in the morning.
For some victims of narcissistic abuse, their day starts with anxiety instead of excitement. If the first thing you do in the morning is check your phone for signs of trouble, you’re engaging in a survival reflex. Narcissistic abuse rewires your brain to expect chaos at any moment. You’ve spent so much time walking on eggshells that your nervous system remains on high alert, even when the danger is gone. That’s why your first instinct isn’t to breathe in the new day; it’s to scan for threats just in case. This habit isn’t about curiosity; it’s about control. When you’ve lived in an unpredictable environment, knowing bad news ahead of time feels like a way to brace yourself. But constant vigilance doesn’t prevent disaster; it just keeps you stuck in a loop of stress.
Psychologist Dr. Rick Hansen says, “The brain is like Velcro for negative experiences and Teflon for positive ones.” This means that unless you actively shift your focus, your mind will keep looking for problems even when there aren’t any. Instead of checking for bad news, try something different: read something inspiring, stretch, or just sit with your coffee. The world will still be there, but you’ll be meeting it on your terms.
2. You twist and turn in your bed at night for hours before falling asleep.
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