You’ve been misled about boundaries and closeness. You were taught that real love means saying yes, being available, and never making anyone feel rejected. But what if that version of closeness actually came from someone who used your kindness as a tool to control you? That’s the hard truth many survivors of narcissistic abuse are waking up to today.
We’ll discuss the ten reasons why victims of narcissistic abuse struggle to set boundaries, even with friends. Are you ready for number one?
They were conditioned to believe boundaries are selfish. Have you ever felt that saying no makes you a bad person? Narcissists are experts at twisting reality, convincing you that simple things like saying no or asking for space are acts of cruelty. Over time, you start to internalize this warped thinking, feeling guilty for asserting even the most reasonable boundaries. Dr. Judith Orloff, a psychiatrist and author of The Empath’s Survival Guide, explains that narcissists train you to always please others. This conditioning makes it tough to draw boundaries with anyone, even friends, because you’re left thinking that prioritizing your own needs is selfish. However, healthy boundaries are a vital part of self-care—something narcissistic abuse often robs you of.
Continue reading on the next page
Sharing is caring!
