If you’ve lived and engaged with a narcissist for a significant period, you don’t need me to tell you that these people can wear you out. The distastefulness of your engagement with them can be so strong and persistent that you begin to wonder if you need to get away from this person completely and permanently.
I understand that many people will say, “If you’re living with a narcissist, just go no contact.” While that can sometimes be necessary, there are other instances where the collateral damage associated with that decision is so significant that it might not be the best option. To help you navigate this complexity, I’ve created a list of ten primary indicators that suggest your relationship may have reached an ending point.
As I review this list, I want you to take inventory of your experiences. Consider how many of these indicators resonate with you and whether it’s time to say, “Enough is enough.”
1. Killing Your Spirit
Begin to think about what truly defines you. This includes your beliefs, preferences, emotional responses, hobbies, interests, connections with others, and even your profession. A narcissist can often come along and undermine all of this by expressing disdain for who you are. They may say that they don’t like any of your interests, that your emotions are unreasonable, or that your beliefs are nonsensical. When you hear these messages long enough, you may start to feel like a shell of a person. You might find yourself thinking, “Every time I try to assert my identity, it just gets shot down.” This persistent undermining can lead to the conclusion that it’s time to make significant changes in your life.
2. Ongoing Isolation or Alienation
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