Do you agree that narcissists can also show love? What if it’s a different kind of love? Will you still accept it? Often, it ends up being a manipulation technique; this is usually why people remain stuck in these toxic and trauma-bonded relationships. A narcissist’s version of love has become such a common issue that a term was coined for it: love bombing. It consists of giving attention and affection to influence another person. If all of this sounds too familiar, you may have a narcissist in plain sight. It is crucial to distinguish between genuine love and the vicious cycle of a narcissist’s definition of love.
Number 1: The Narcissist Projects Their Definition of Love
A narcissist projects their own definition of love. Projection is a concept popularized by Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. He inferred that some people cannot accept their thoughts, feelings, and ideas—or the lack thereof—which has its consequences. They tend to attribute these feelings externally to others. This toxic practice is common in narcissistic relationships. Narcissists can’t empathize or handle abandonment, so they project this into their romantic or work relationships. It affects the people closest to them; spending the most time with a narcissist exposes one to this treatment.
Examples include narcissistic parents who did not receive much love and attention in their own childhoods; they tend to become controlling and overbearing with their children. Another example is a narcissistic partner who has been traumatized by past relationships; they may become possessive and jealous. There are many more examples of how a narcissist can project their reality onto the victim of abuse. To the narcissist, it is an act of love; for the receiver, it can be unbearable.
Continue reading on the next page
Sharing is caring!
Leave a Comment