If you’ve ever been in a relationship with a narcissist, you know that it can be both life-changing and damaging. Narcissists are masters of manipulation and control, and they can make you feel like you’re the only person who matters in the world. But what happens when the relationship ends? How dating a narcissist changes you? Read on to find out.
Lose A Sense Of Identity
If you’re dating a narcissist, be prepared to lose your sense of identity. A relationship with a narcissist is all about them. They will take over your life and make you feel like you’re not good enough.
Narcissists are master manipulators. You’ll start to question your own worth and wonder what you did wrong. Your self-esteem will plummet as you try to meet their impossible standards.
They will gaslight you and make you doubt yourself. They will play mind games and make you feel like you’re going crazy.
This is all part of their plan to control you. If you’re dating a narcissist, be prepared to lose yourself in the process.
Enable And Defend Abuse
If you’re in a relationship with a narcissist, it’s important to understand that you may be enabling and defending their abuse. Narcissists are experts at making their partners feel guilty, and they will use this guilt to keep you under their thumb.
They might say things like “If you loved me, you would…” or “I only did this because…” In reality, they are the ones who are incapable of love, and they are the ones who are responsible for their own actions.
Don’t let a narcissist control you with guilt. Recognize their manipulation tactics for what they are, and don’t let them victimize you.
Develop Self-esteem Issues
Victims of dating a narcissist often develop serious self-esteem issues. For years, they have been putting up with emotional abuse, always on the lookout for their partner’s next outburst. They have been slowly beaten down, made to feel unworthy and undeserving of love.
As a result, it is not surprising that many people who have been in relationships with narcissists end up feeling hollow and empty inside. In order to heal, it is essential to start rebuilding your self-esteem. This means learning to love and value yourself, even when nobody else does.
It means recognizing your own worth and refusing to allow anyone to treat you as less than you deserve. Only by taking these steps can you hope to break free from the cycle of abuse and begin to heal the damage that has been done.
Become Excessively Paranoid
If you’re dating a narcissist, you might find yourself feeling paranoid. Because narcissists crave power and control, they will frequently manipulate and gaslight their romantic partners.
Gaslighting is an emotionally abusive tactic in which the abuser tries to make the victim doubt their own memories and perceptions. If you’re dating a narcissist, they might try to convince you that your friends and family don’t like you, or that your coworkers are talking about you behind your back.
They might also try to make you feel like you’re going crazy by orchestrating arguments or playing mind games. It’s important to be aware of these tactics so that you can catch them early on. If you find yourself doubting your own instincts, it might be time to move on.
Become A Master Of Boundaries
Dating a narcissist can be a frustrating, draining experience. But it doesn’t have to be a negative one. In fact, how dating a narcissist changes you have to do with assessing and setting your personal boundaries.
Narcissists are often extremely self-centered and demanding. They may try to control every aspect of your life, from what you wear to who you spend time with. But by learning to stand up for yourself and set firm boundaries, you can protect yourself from being manipulated or taken advantage of.
And you may even find that the narcissist isn’t as bad as you thought they were. So if you’re dating a narcissist, don’t be afraid to set some boundaries. It may be the best thing you ever do for yourself.
Develop Trust Issues
If you’re dating a narcissist, you may find yourself feeling constantly on edge. You may second-guess your own actions and motivations, wondering if you’re doing something wrong.
You may also develop trust issues, as narcissists are often dishonest and manipulative. Ultimately, dating a narcissist can be an emotionally draining experience. If you find yourself in a relationship that feels unhealthy or abusive, it’s important to reach out for help.
You Learn To Stand Your Ground
When you learn to stand your ground that’s how dating a narcissist changes you. You learn that saying “no” is a complete sentence. You learn that you are not responsible for their happiness and that you cannot change them.
You learn that love is not always enough. You also learn that narcissists are some of the most manipulative people on the planet.They will say anything to get what they want, and they will use your weaknesses against you. But above all, you learn that you are strong enough to walk away. And that is the best lesson of all.
You Learn Self-respect
There is one silver lining to dating a narcissist: it can teach you how to respect yourself. Narcissists are often extremely charming and eloquent, and they may make you feel like you are the only person in the world who matters to them.
However, this is usually just an act to get what they want from you. As you begin to see through their facade, you will also start to see your own self-worth.
And as you learn to respect yourself, you will also learn how to set boundaries and stand up for yourself. So, although dating a narcissist may not be an ideal situation, it can actually help you to grow as a person.
Final Thoughts
How dating a narcissist changes you? It might be for the better or worse, but it definitely leaves a mark. Once you know what to look for, you can avoid them in the future. You learn how to put yourself first and become more independent. You also learn how to read people better and spot red flags early on.
