Red Flags - The Narcissist
I seem to have overlooked every red flag or was too wrapped up in my own world to realize what kind of person I was dealing with. Unfortunately, I’ve had several of these types of individuals in my life, and it’s disheartening that they were supposed to be people who loved me or were family. To be fair, I didn’t know much about the term "narcissist" or "narcissism" until I began therapy. It was only through this healing journey that I truly learned and understood the concept, allowing me to identify the behaviors of people in my life and gain a clearer understanding of their effects.As I delved deeper into therapy, I realized how much these relationships had influenced my self-esteem. It was like peeling back layers of my own perception, revealing the subtle ways in which I had been manipulated or made to feel inadequate. The journey wasn't easy and recognizing the red flags often meant confronting painful memories and acknowledging the emotional scars I had carried for far too long.
Therapy became a place where I could voice my experiences without fear of judgment. It allowed me to piece together the puzzle of my past interactions, understanding that my worth was never tied to their approval or validation. I learned that it was okay to set boundaries and prioritize my emotional well-being, even if it meant distancing myself from those who were meant to be closest to me.
I reclaimed my narrative. Instead of seeing myself as a victim of circumstance, I began to view myself as a survivor, resilient and capable of forging a path that honored my truth. Each day I grew more confident in my ability to recognize and reject toxic behaviors.
“Red flags aren’t always dramatic. Sometimes they look like:
✨ Silent treatment when you set a boundary
✨ Love bombing in the beginning, then withdrawal
✨ Making you feel like you’re always walking on eggshells
✨ Gaslighting—‘you’re too sensitive’
✨ Projection—accusing you of the very thing they’re doing
Don’t ignore the small signs—they tell the whole story.”