Sorry. That Probably Wasn’t Narcissistic Abuse…

Don’t get it twisted. Narcissistic abuse is different from any other form of abuse out there. Take a peek behind the curtain at true insanity.

E.B. Johnson | NLPMP | Editor
Practical Growth
Published in
6 min readMar 13, 2022

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A man’s face is shadowed and standing before a large bright circle of white light.
Image by @_lukenewell via Twenty20

by E.B. Johnson

Ever since the word “narcissist” became the internet darling, narcissistic abuse has (understandably) come more into focus. Just like its root word before it, however, it has also become widely misused and misunderstood.

Bloggers and social media mavens far and wide now use the term “narcissistic abuse” to refer to everything from a nasty breakup to an angry spouse. Their confusion, of course, just leads to even more misery for those of us who have actually been through the horrors of narcissistic abuse.

What narcissistic abuse really looks like.

The truth is that narcissistic abuse is inherently extreme in nature, and comes with a certain level of anger and horror that simply isn’t experienced in normal or even moderately dysfunctional relationships. It’s more than eggshells. It’s more than irritation and upset. There’s a darkness to narcissistic abuse that isolates its victims inside and out.

Never-ending eggshells

You’ve probably heard the term “walking on eggshells” and that’s certainly an element of narcissistic abuse. It’s so, so much more extreme than simply being cautious, though. It’s a total denial of self and a constant readjustment of self, behavior, and thinking.

When you’re trapped in a narcissistically abusive relationship, you must question and second guess every single thing you say, think, or do. Before you act on anything, weigh it against potential consequences.

Saying the wrong word in a casual conversation becomes a personal attack on the narcissist, and before you know it, your life is being threatened and there are divorce papers on the counter.

The eggshells are never-ending in these toxic and abusive households and partnerships. They permeate to every single layer of the relationship, and how you are allowed to present yourself as a partner, a lover, a friend, a parent, etc.

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E.B. Johnson | NLPMP | Editor
Practical Growth

NLPMP Coach | Writer & Content Creator | Sharing my knowedge with the world ⭐️ https://linktr.ee/ebjohnson01