Number four: They train you to live in fear. This is especially common in narcissistic families, where a glance or look from a parent can shut you down. You know what’s coming—punishment, verbal abuse, or worse. My father used to physically abuse me, but eventually, a single look was enough to terrify me. My narcissistic mother would give me the silent treatment, making me feel like I’d done something terribly wrong. This kind of fear trains you to become a doormat, always ready to accept the narcissist’s treatment without complaint. It’s the extreme level of “fawning.”
Number five: They train you to kill your emotions. Not just hide them—kill them. As an adult child of a narcissist, you may find it difficult to experience emotions fully, whether joy, anger, or sadness. For example, you may not even recognize when you’re angry because your anger was suppressed for so long. Instead, you might shut down or feel like you’re depressed. Narcissists discard both your emotions and your needs, leaving no space for your authentic self. Your self-worth becomes tied to your performance, as you were never truly accepted for who you are.
Sharing is caring!
