Did you grow up with a narcissistic mother and an enabler father? If so, you probably have conflicting feelings about him. On the one hand, you feel a certain closeness and even sympathy for him. After all, narcissists are incapable of healthy relationships, so they’re often abusive to their spouses as well as their children. […]
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The Upside of Being a Scapegoat Child of a Narcissistic Parent
If you are an adult child of a narcissistic parent, you likely played one of two roles in your family: a golden child or a scapegoat. A golden child is the pride of the family, while the scapegoat occupies a much less enviable role — that of a screwup who can’t do anything right. If […]
The Dark Reality of Being a Golden Child of a Narcissistic Parent
If you have a narcissistic parent, you can play one of two polar opposite roles in your family: golden child or scapegoat. If you’re a golden child, you’re your parent’s favorite little darling and you can do no wrong. In most people’s eyes, this is an enviable position to be in, especially if you consider […]
5 Signs Your Partner is a Narcissist (and How to Deal with Them)
Do you suspect that your partner or spouse is a narcissist? You may be right. Narcissists are charming. Since the first date, they put on a show to reel you in. Drawn to how confident and exciting they are, you fall for their attractive and intriguing personality. And yet, as the relationship develops, you may […]
12 Ways to Create Emotional Distance From a Narcissist
Creating emotional distance from a narcissist may be easier said than done. But if no contact is not an option, it’s the next best thing. Read on to find out 12 proven methods of emotional distancing from a narcissistic person who’s making your life hell. What is Emotional Distance? Emotional distance is a sense of […]
Do Toxic Parents Get Better in Old Age?
Do toxic parents get better in old age or do they become even more insufferable? On this website, we talk a lot about toxic or narcissistic parents, the lies they taught you, and how to stop seeking love and validation from them. But any exploration of an abusive parent’s psychology would be incomplete without understanding […]
10 Signs Your Narcissistic Mother is an Emotional Vampire
If you have a narcissistic mother, chances are, she’s also an emotional vampire. Just like mythical vampires, emotional vampires are parasites that feed on others. Here are 10 signs that your mother might be one of these parasitic creatures. What is an Emotional Vampire? An emotional vampire is someone who feeds off other people’s emotional […]
5 Types of Emotional Vampires (And How to Repel Them)
People who drain your energy are often referred to as emotional vampires. Here are 5 types of these blood-suckers, and how to repel them. Just about every culture has a vampire legend. They’re often depicted as demonic, blood-thirsty, immortal night dwellers. Hollywood versions are more glamorous and seductive: vampires are mysterious and all-powerful creatures that […]
The Silver Lining of Toxic Relationships: 9 Priceless Lessons
Is there a silver lining to toxic relationships? Some might say: hell no. It’s a terrible experience you’re better off forgetting like a bad dream and moving on. But for those of us who are inclined to look for meaning and value in all life has to offer, the answer is more complicated. In fact, […]
How to Feel More Powerful Around Your Toxic Mother-in-Law
Do you want to feel more powerful around your toxic or narcissistic mother-in-law? Then the change must start with you. This article describes 9 ways you can shift that power dynamic and reclaim control over your life. All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. Leo Tolstoy After reading […]