Narcissism can destroy families from the inside out, so it is important to know the signs of narcissism and how to respond. There are steps that you can take to separate yourself from a narcissistic relationship, allowing yourself to thrive in healthier relationships.
Everyone has a little bit of narcissism in them, but some people exhibit more than others. Excessive narcissistic traits, such as entitlement, a superiority complex, arrogance, and more, may indicate narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). NPD is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance.
Families that are built around narcissism share many similar qualities; poor communication, control issues, and keeping secrets are all common. This can lead to long-term effects–distrust, self-loathing, and substance abuse–in other members of the household.
If you start to notice signs of narcissism, such as playing the victim, exaggerating achievements, gaslighting, and more, it may be time to make an escape plan. You should only plan while the narcissist is away, to avoid alerting them to upcoming changes.
When planning, it is important to set aside money and important documents. Creating new contact information can also help make a clean break. If you need extra help with legal moves, such as filing for divorce, you may want to speak with a lawyer.
NPD is more common than we realize and is incredibly harmful in relationships. Keep an eye out for signs of narcissism in your own life, and take the proper steps to keep yourself safe if you find yourself in a narcissistic household.
