Survivors of narcissistic abuse often grapple with boundary issues, which can manifest in peculiar ways. These individuals may let people walk over them or become excessively defensive when someone approaches their boundaries. This behavior stems from the psychological impact of enduring a narcissistic relationship. Psychologists like Dr. Christine Lewis de Canonville and Dr. Judith Orloff have studied this phenomenon. Survivors might allow others to overstep their boundaries because they’ve grown accustomed to such treatment, or they may react strongly to any perceived threat to their personal space due to a history of boundary violations.
Chronic Self-Doubt
Chronic self-doubt often emerges as a consequence of narcissistic abuse. Dr. Romani Durvasula emphasizes that narcissists use tactics such as gaslighting and relentless criticism to erode their victims’ self-esteem and confidence. Survivors question their judgment and reality, seeking external validation to fill the void of self-doubt. This pervasive doubt can paralyze decision-making and hinder personal growth. To recover from chronic self-doubt, therapy and support groups are vital. Dr. Judith Orloff suggests survivors must rebuild self-esteem and trust in their judgment. Learning self-compassion and surrounding oneself with validating individuals can help counteract the damaging effects of narcissistic abuse.
Compulsive Apologizing
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