7. They Walk On Eggshells.
Another symptom of narcissistic abuse the empath might continue to suffer, even after they survive, is avoiding anything that relieves the traumatic experience. Whether it is their family member, friend, co-worker, boss, or new partner, they find themselves constantly watching what they do or say around these people, lest they incur their punishment and wrath, or earn their hatred.
However, this attitude won’t prevent them from re-entering another toxic relationship. The more they become perpetually fearful about provoking people in any way will only extend their people-pleasing behavior outside their abusive relationship. As a result, they lose their assertiveness and spontaneity, while navigating the external world, especially with people who are associated with their abusers. As an empath, do you still walk on eggshells around people who resemble your narcissistic abuser?
Psychopath Free: Recovering from Emotionally Abusive Relationships With Narcissists, Sociopaths, and Other Toxic People.
8. They Self-Isolate.
During the toxic relationship, narcissists intentionally isolate the empath from the rest of the world in the hopes of personalizing their mindset and lifestyle. After surviving the event, empaths also continue to isolate themselves because they are ashamed about how far they got manipulated or to what extent they allowed their abusers to fool them.
Given the victim-blaming or the misconceptions about psychological and emotional violence in society, empaths may even re-experience the traumatizing event through their friends, family members, or law enforcement. The fear that no one can understand their experience and see the world from their perspective will hinder them from seeking help.
So, instead of opening up to others to make the healing process easier, they withdraw and isolate themselves from their external environment to avoid unfair treatment and judgment.
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