Let's Talk About The Effects Of Narcissistic Abuse | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Let's Talk About The Effects Of Narcissistic Abuse

You went into this relationship as your own person and left it as a codependent and broken person.

1188
Let's Talk About The Effects Of Narcissistic Abuse
Photo by Alex Boyd on Unsplash

You get in this relationship, everything seems perfect, almost like a fairytale. At least, at first it does. Slowly, and I mean very slowly, things start being different. You begin to watch your every move in order to avoid your significant other getting mad and to avoid arguments.

You begin to conform your behavior, personality, and even your looks to make them happy. You start keeping conversations with close friends short and to the point. You begin to be cold towards your loved ones, and start avoiding any type of conversation as to 'what's wrong.'

Fast forward a few months later, and you yourself, start noticing how different you are. You don't get ready anymore, you blow off everyone who tries to hang out with you. You're just completely a whole new person. You can't recognize yourself anymore.

You changed your clothes, your hair, what you choose to wear, etc. None of it is you, but yet it's who you are now.

Fast forward a few more months, and it's constant anger and arguments. It never ends. You're doing everything right, you're walking on eggshells, trying to make the best out of the worst situation that you find yourself in.. and yet, it still does not change a single thing.

You start to want to leave them, and right as you want to, they go back to the old them. They draw you back in, and you remember the good times and the fun times, so you stay. Just for it to go back to the narcissistic abuse again in a week. Eventually, though, you gather the strength to leave. This time, you leave for good. You think this will make it better, you think you'll go back to your old self... little do you know, you won't.

You try to meet people, but you can't get too close. Everything someone says to you, you question their loyalty and honesty. The nice guys: you blow them off. You throw accusations at everyone, even when they're doing nothing wrong. You become cold. You become cold to everyone, it's as if you don't want or need anyone else. You're content alone, even though deep down you know you're screaming for help.

You overthink everything. You question everything. And even, at times, you wonder to yourself what you did to deserve feeling this way. Sometimes, you even start believing the horrible things that were said to you by someone you trusted. They used your flaws and secrets against you, and you start to believe it.

You used to be your own person. You used to make your own decisions, and be a happier person. You used to smile a lot more, and you used to not be so cold. You went into this relationship as your own person and left it as a codependent and broken person.

One day though, you'll start to smile again for no reason. You'll begin laughing naturally, and you'll begin appreciating the little things again. One day, you will be your own person again, and an even better one at that.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180046
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7080
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452372
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23235
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments