Have you ever met someone who seemed so good to be true, whose need for admiration seemed endless. What if that behavior was more than just arrogance?
In my younger years, I crossed paths with someone who seemed to offer everything I had
ever dreamed of. He treated me with an overwhelming sense of devotion and care,
showering me with affection and fulfilling every material and emotional need I could imagine.
At the time, it felt like I had found the perfect partner—someone who made me feel valued
and cherished.I was over the moon and felt like I was in Paradise.
There was a time when I believed that love could be measured by grand gestures and
unwavering attention, a time when I thought I had everything a young woman could possibly want.
However, not everything was as it seemed. He started to change and everything seemed to
be like a chore for him. It was as if his mask had fallen off and he revealed his true self. Was
everything fake and made up? I had all these questions going through my mind, it was like
an endless cycle.
It often felt as though everything was my fault. I was constantly made to feel responsible,
while he played the role of the victim. Whenever I attempted to address an issue or express
my concerns, my efforts were met with resistance, leaving me with the sense that any
disagreement or conflict was invariably turned back onto me.
I always felt on edge like I am walking on eggshells. I didn't know what to say or do because I was worried it would make him angry and argue with me. I was scared of how he was going to react if I ever questioned or told him something. Was this normal? My head was in a mess and I was emotionally and mentally drained because I was having false hope hoping one day he will come to his senses and I will find out it was just a phase.
All I wanted was the old him back and I wanted to go back to how it was.I finally came to the painful realization that he would never change. It became clear to me that his behavior and actions were indicative of narcissism—his disregard for my feelings and the consistent
patterns of manipulation revealed the true nature of who he was.
I ultimately made the difficult decision to walk away and break free from the toxic cycle.
While the decision left me heartbroken, I recognized that prioritizing my mental health was
essential. Being in a relationship with someone displaying narcissistic traits proved to be
detrimental to my well-being, as such dynamics are emotionally draining and ultimately
destructive to one's peace of mind. To heal from my experience, I sought ongoing therapy, which played a crucial role in my recovery and personal growth.
If you're going through emotional abuse or any sort of narcissism and destructive behaviour.
You're not alone and my best advice is to remove yourself from the situation and love
yourself and aim to get professional help.
My five tips to recover from emotional abuse:
1. Seek Professional Support
Engaging in therapy with a qualified mental health professional can be an essential step in
healing from emotional abuse. Therapy provides a safe space to process your experiences,
gain insight into the trauma, and develop healthy coping strategies to rebuild your
self-esteem and emotional well-being.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
Establishing firm boundaries with the individual who has caused harm, if contact is
necessary, is crucial to your recovery. Learning to say 'no' and protecting your emotional
space empowers you to regain control of your life and prevent further harm.
3. Practice Self-Compassion
Healing from emotional abuse requires patience and kindness toward yourself. Recognize
that your experiences do not define your worth. Embrace self-compassion, acknowledge
your strength in surviving, and treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer to
others.
4. Reconnect with Your Support System
Surrounding yourself with understanding and supportive individuals is vital in overcoming
emotional abuse. Whether through friends, family, or support groups, building a network of
people who affirm your value and encourage your healing journey can help you regain trust
in others and yourself.
5. Focus on Personal Growth and Self-Care
Taking the time to rediscover your passions, practice self-care, and nurture your body and
mind is essential to recovery. Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as
meditation, exercise, or creative hobbies, to foster a sense of agency and peace in your life.
By Anastasia Frangoulis