John Copenhaver

This is the pattern we often see with the children of narcissist parents

Narcissists won’t just be abusive. They’ll do tiny, petty things that technically aren’t abuse but they’re designed to get under your skin. They know exactly what they’re doing. And they know you can’t say anything because what they’re doing isn’t technically abuse. It’s not “bad enough” to call out. It’s not illegal. It’s not obvious. So if you speak up, you risk looking irrational, dramatic, or “overly sensitive.” “Wow, calm down — it’s not a big deal.” “You’re overreacting.” “I didn’t even do anything.” But they know exactly what they’re doing. It’s psychological warfare. These little “nothings” add up — and what they’re really saying is: “I’m in control. I live in your head. You can’t prove it.” And the truth is… anyone who behaves like this is deeply emotionally depraved. That’s a soul so disconnected, it has to feed off someone else’s peace just to feel alive. They’re trying to aggravate you…So laugh it off. Find their desperation to affect you amusing instead. And remember: You can heal. You can grow. They can’t. They’re stuck in a cycle of petty cruelty and spiritual decay. You get to walk away and build peace. They’ll still be trying to make someone flinch to feel big.

If you self isolate when things get incredibly tough. And you push everyone away. It’s because you had to pull yourself out of every dark place alone. Because you never knew what it was like to be supported. Because the only person you had to rely on was you. Because no one ever had your back. If you understand this I’m truly fucking sorry.

@NarcissistBox And they are really good at it.

Not responding to toxic people is the most powerful response you can give.

A narcissist will claim you're toxic, while poisoning everything good in your life.

Divorcing a narcissist is warfare. They lie to you, the court, even their own attorney. They don’t negotiate, use mediation as a game, and weaponize the legal system to drain you. You want resolution, but they don’t. For them, it’s about control.

@CoachElizabethS Yep - record EVERYTHING. iPhone Voice Memos is invaluable.

A narcissist will lie, deny, twist, and then call you the crazy one for reacting.

How Narcissistic Abuse Triggers Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn Responses... youtu.be/jibApIV8qM8?si… via @YouTube

@narcissistfacts @narcissistfree1 Horrible but true

No one hates seeing your healthy relationships with others more than a covert narcissist who is jealous of you. They don’t want to see you having love or support, they want you to be isolated and lonely just like them.