Falling in love with someone is one of the most beautiful and fulfilling things we can experience in life. The feeling is indescribable, and it’s something that everyone aspires to attain at least once in a lifetime. Unfortunately, something so fantastic can turn into a nightmare when you’re coupled up with a narcissist. Narcissists have an uncanny way of representing themselves as everything you want then showing their true colors after time passes.
How to Move on from a Narcissist
Narcissists can make it very hard to move on. On one end, they can be charming and all that you’ve dreamed of, and on the other side they can chip away at your self-esteem, only give you compliments when you threaten to leave and worse try and isolate you from your friends and family. It’s important to realize that they get their power from having control over you. The moment they feel close to losing you is the moment their behavior will switch back to the person you fell in love with to keep you around.
So many people are dating or even married to these types of people, and it’s a scary situation. We all deserve to be loved, respected and appreciated fully. Anything else is not worth your energy. I understand that some things are easier said than done, but once you find the strength to walk away your life will change for the better.
If you or a close friend is dating a narcissist and are looking for ways to separate yourself from the abuse, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Always remember never to settle. You deserve the world and a partner that will stop at nothing to make you happy. Please read on for some useful tips to help give you the strength and courage to move on with your life and start your healing process.
1. Set clear boundaries.
The only way to start your healing process is to make sure you do not allow that person back into your life. Although this may be hard, you have to block this individual out of your life. So, that means erasing all their numbers, emails and social media. Do not give this person any leeway to weasel back into your life. Think of the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.”
2. Take the time to acknowledge what transpired and forgive yourself.
We are our harshest critics. We tend to be hard on ourselves when we go through specific situations because we feel that we should have known better. Please take the time to forgive yourself. You are human, and we all make bad decisions from time to time. It does not define who you are. Narcissists are known to manipulate others to get what they want. As painful as the experience was, use it as a learning tool.
3. Analyze who you are as a person.
The lessons that we go through in life shape the type of individual we become. Look back at the person you were before the relationship and compare that to who you are now. Do you like what you see? Are there some areas that you know you need help with for growth? Take notes. Healing comes from within. Taking this time to analyze yourself will allow you to recognize your vulnerabilities so you can spot the signs of a narcissist in the future.
4. Practice patience.
There is nothing wrong with realizing that you still have feelings for the person that has wronged you. When you truly love someone, the feelings don’t go away quickly. However, as you grow through healing, you will realize that as much as you care for this person, you love yourself more. Self-love will allow you to break the cycle of trying to mend things. Always remember that you come first and with time things will get better.
