Wounded Weaves: 9 Damaging Behavioral Patterns Carried By Survivors Of Narcissistic Abuse

9 Shared Traits Amongst Survivors Of Narcissistic Abuse

Peering into the shadows of toxicity, survivors of narcissistic abuse bear enduring scars. Unravel the webs of behaviors they carry on in the aftermath.

Survivors of narcissistic abuse commonly manifest certain behavioral traits, that signify the trauma they went through when they were with them.

Even after getting out of the relationship, they find it tough to let go of all the bad days, and the horrible treatment they suffered at the hands of their narcissistic partner.

Being in a relationship with a person who has narcissistic personality disorder might be the most emotionally harrowing experience of your life.

The problem is, the victim nearly never recognizes the signs of abuse until it is too late. And the worst part- sometimes the effects of this abuse are so deeply ingrained in the victim’s psyche that it can take years for them to fully recover.

However not many people are able to link the two, but knowledge is power. Knowing about it can help you fight it.

Here Are 9 Behavioral Traits Shared Amongst Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse

Traits Common Amongst Survivors Narcissistic Abuse Info
Traits of narcissistic abuse survivors

1. Not being confident enough in your own capabilities.

Before meeting the Narcissist, you might have had a decent amount of self-worth, even if you weren’t the most confident being who walked on this earth.

But the effects of narcissistic abuse is that it would have changed drastically after. You no longer feel like your own person. Every single decision you make is through the lens of how others would judge you.

You are no longer assured of your own choices and are always asking others for opinions and overall undermining yourself in favor of what others think is good or right.

Related: 9 Things You Can Do To Help A Survivor Of Emotional Abuse

2. Always second-guessing yourself.

It is almost second nature to a narcissist to warp the reality so that you are no longer sure of yourself. This helps them in getting away with almost anything they say or do.

They question and falsify their actions so that you are left wondering whether you imagined everything. And soon you would lose the ability to distinguish between what’s real and what’s the smokescreen set up by the narcissist to befuddle you.

There is always an internal conflict going inside your head where you question the reality you know versus the facts that the narcissist has conditioned you to believe.

3. Always finding yourself around toxic people.

Another big problem with narcissistic abuse is that it very easily turns into this endless cycle of repeated trauma.

Because being with a narcissist blurs your perception of reality has changed, you are no longer able to differentiate between what is good for you, and what is equally as toxic as the previous relationship. You internalize the abuse and think of it as the new norm.

So, even when you are running away from your abuser you are seeking and falling into the trap of even more people like them.

4. Being on autopilot with one instruction, to self-destruct.

A narcissist would make you believe that you have no talents at all, and you cannot ever do anything right. They ridicule you, taunt you and demean you to the point that you start sabotaging yourself.

They want to completely crush your confidence so that you cannot stand up to them. And in doing so, they turn you into this empty shell of your former self. Things you used to excel at become too difficult to even attempt.

They play so cruelly with your sense of confidence that you actually believe them when they tell that you’re worthless and your actions match these thoughts.

Related: Anxiety Disorders Could Be Caused By Being Exposed To Narcissistic Abuse

5. Trying to please everyone and do everything perfectly.

A narcissist would make you believe that the most important objective of your life was to please them. You tried to do everything as they liked, and to perfection hoping that they will finally praise you, or at least leave you alone for a while.

Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse
Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse

When in a relationship with an abuser, you did all this for self-preservation, if you did not please your abuser he would torment you physically or mentally.

Even after the relationship is over, you might be repeating the same behavior with other people as well. You’d be more worried about not getting on the wrong side of someone, even if it meant being untrue to your own self.

6. You have the overpowering need to be left alone and not socialize at all.

Narcissists are great at isolating their victims from their friends and family. That’s because it makes it easier for them to control their victim.

This trait too might remain even after the abusive relationship is over. It is a natural instinct to want to be left alone on your own when recovering from such a traumatic experience.

But you shouldn’t withdraw from people who want to/ are capable of helping such as professionals or those who can relate with what you’re going through.

7. Abuse Amnesia.

When your abuser comes back to you with a seemingly heartfelt apology and a promise that they have seen the fault in their ways, you might be tempted or deluded into forgetting the abuse you experienced in the past.

Behaviors of narcissistic abuse survivors

This is called abuse amnesia where you don’t recall things to be as bad as they really were or try to explain them away hoping that the person has really changed and maybe this time things will be different.

Don’t fall into that trap. Have a list of abusive incidents (with supporting proof if possible) handy so that you can remind yourself why you separated from this person.

Related: The Aftermath Of A Relationship With A Narcissist

8. Feeling the urge to protect your abuser.

Against all logic, this is a very true and very dangerous consequence of being with an abuser. They make you dependant on themselves and make you believe that things are never as bad as they seem to you.

So that even after the relationship is over, you always think of it as a happy or normal one even if it was anything but. This might even come in the way of your own welfare.

It could take the shape of noncompliance to authorities who are trying to catch your abuser, fights with a family who call a spade a spade, or even self-protection when you refuse to take action against the abuser if they are trying to cause you more trauma.

9. You no longer have a sense of personal space or boundaries.

The abuser invaded your life so completely that you no longer have a sense of healthy boundaries. You don’t know how to say ‘no’ to people or situations which make you feel uncomfortable.

You have forgotten that you are an individual who needs their boundaries to live in peace.

effects of narcissistic abuse on narcissistic abuse survivors

Related: 5 SuperPowers That Survivors of Emotional Abuse Uniquely Possess

Being an NPD abuse survivor is tough. Consciously remind yourself of these boundaries, make a list and follow it through if necessary but don’t let others run over you.

The Minds Journal Articles Volume -1  is Copyright Protected vide Regd.# L-103222/2021 

Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse
9 Behaviors Of Narcissistic Abuse Survivors
Traits Common Amongst Survivors Narcissistic Abuse Pin
9 Narcissistic Abuse Survivors Traits
narcissistic abuse survivors

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply



Up Next

7 Signs Someone Is Projecting Onto You: Are You Bearing Someone Else’s Burden?

Signs Someone Is Projecting Their Emotional Baggage On You

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and it felt like they were accusing you of things that didn’t seem like you? It’s as if they’re dumping their own issues on you, leaving you scratching your head, wondering what is happening. Well, this is just one of the many signs someone is projecting their emotional baggage on you.

You’re gradually realizing that you are being blamed for things that’re not your fault at all. You are being accused to be the kind of person you are not. It’s as though they’re running their private movie theater, and you’ve become their projection screen.

But before we get int



Up Next

Dog Whistling Narcissist: 8 Ways Narcissists Use This Covert Manipulation Tactic

Dog Whistling Narcissist: Covert Ways They Manipulate You

Have you ever had the feeling that when you are talking to someone, there’s a hidden message they’re trying to get across to you? A message that feels insulting, condescending and hurtful? If you answered yes, then you are dealing with a dog whistling narcissist, my friend.

These people are experts at sending subtle messages that are extremely hurtful and humiliating, but only you understand it, not anyone else. When a narcissist uses dog whistling, their main motive is to manipulate you and keep you under their control. They’ll use it to dominate you, and put you down, while pretending to be harmless.

But what is dog whistling, and how narcissists use dog whistling? Let’s find out, shall we?



Up Next

8 Powerful Phrases To Shut Down Gaslighting With Confidence

Powerful Phrases To Shut Down Gaslighting With Confidence

Have you ever had a conversation with someone where you felt like everything you are saying or feeling is being dismissed and invalidated, even though you know you’re right? If you answered yes, then you were subjected to gaslighting. If you have experienced this, then remember these 8 phrases to shut down gaslighting like a boss.

When someone makes you question your reality, it can feel extremely frustrating and depressing. We’ve all been there at some point. These little digs can make you feel like you’re on thin ice, be it from a friend, family member or that one co-worker.

But hey, you’ve come to the



Up Next

The Emotionally Absent Mother: Overcoming Her Legacy And Healing From The Wounds

The Emotionally Absent Mother: Healing From The Wounds

Having an emotionally absent mother can take a heavy toll on your mental and emotional well-being, and that too from a very young age. This article is going to explore what it means to have an emotionally unavailable mother, how her emotional absence can affect you and how to heal from it and move on.

Growing up with a mother who wasn’t emotionally available may have complicated your relationship with your emotions. Our early experiences of emotional attunement play an important part in the subsequent regulation of our emotions.

An emotionally absent mother may fail to develop the kind of satisfying attachment bonds in her children that make sustaining ordinary relationships possible.



Up Next

Is It Love Or A Trap? 10 Ominous And Warning Signs Of Love Bombing

Ominous And Warning Signs Of Love Bombing: Love Or Trap?

Have you ever experienced the turbulent side of love, that comes from falling head over heels for someone? The butterflies in your stomach, the passion you feel, and the feeling of being swept off your feet – feels amazing, doesn’t it? But what if I told you that behind this seemingly perfect façade lies something dark and sinister? What if I told you these are warning signs of love bombing?

Welcome to the dark world of love bombing; a psychological tactic used by manipulative people to gain control over your mind and heart. In this article, we will talk about what does love bombing mean, and the signs you are being love bombed.

Let’s get started first with what does love bombing mean, shal



Up Next

Surviving Toxic Friendships: 15 Shocking Signs Of An Abusive Friend You Can’t Afford To Ignore

Signs of an Abusive Friend: Surviving Toxic Friendships

Do you feel like your BFF is jealous of you? Do they constantly criticize and always try to influence your decisions? Are they always around when they need a favor from you, but immediately disappear when you need support? Then it is likely you have a toxic, abusive friend. Let us explore the signs of an abusive friend and how to deal with an abusive friend.

A friendship is one of the most authentic and purest forms of relationships we can experience as it is not bound by blood or any compulsion. Friendships are born out of mutual respect, support, companionship and happiness. Our friends support us and pick us up when we are down and guide us when we stray too far.

However, some individuals use the mask of friendship simply to exploit, dominate and abuse us. They pretend to be our friends as long as we are of use to them and freque



Up Next

The Playbook Of Deceit: 11 Narcissistic Games Used To Torment You

Narcissistic Games Used To Torment: Playbook Of Deceit

Have you ever encountered someone that made you question your own sanity? Or found yourself caught in a web of manipulation, unsure of how you got there? If so, then you may have encountered a narcissist and have been a victim of narcissistic games.

Narcissists are masters at psychological games. A charming smile hides their darker agenda as they play several mind games to control and exploit you. These mind games narcissists play can be psychologically damaging, without you even realizing it at times.

In this article, we’ll unravel 11 narcissistic games, exposing all their tactics, so that you don’t fall