Have you ever felt guilty for things that aren’t even your fault? That’s the damage narcissistic abuse leaves behind. When someone constantly blames you for their anger, sadness, or failures, your brain starts to believe that keeping them happy is your responsibility. Dr. Harriet Breaker, author of The Disease to Please, explains that chronic guilt is often a learned response from emotional manipulation, making people believe that setting boundaries is selfish.
Over time, you become hyper-aware of other people’s moods, over-apologizing for things you didn’t do and feeling like a terrible person any time you put yourself first. Even when the narcissist is gone, the guilt stays, whispering in your ear that prioritizing yourself is wrong. Healing starts when you realize that guilt isn’t proof you’ve done something wrong; it’s just a leftover response from being conditioned to feel responsible for someone else’s happiness. The more you remind yourself of that, the freer you become.
Number Three: Oxytocin Betrays You
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