When someone invades your privacy, like a narcissist does, it feels suffocating. They might snoop through your phone, emails, or private journals. To them, your personal space doesn’t exist. This constant monitoring keeps you on edge, like you’re walking on eggshells, never knowing what they’ll use against you. Privacy is a basic need for feeling safe, but narcissists treat it as optional when it comes to controlling you.
As Shannon Thomas, a licensed therapist and author of “Healing from Hidden Abuse,” says, “Narcissists thrive on power and control, and violating boundaries is their way of reinforcing that control.” You start to doubt yourself; you might even feel guilty for wanting privacy, as if needing personal space is wrong. But it’s not; it’s a healthy part of any relationship. The narcissist invades it to keep you vulnerable and ensure they know everything about you, often twisting your actions or words to fit their narrative. The key to countering this is recognizing that your boundaries are valid and taking steps to rebuild your sense of safety, even if it means seeking support from trusted individuals or professionals.
3. Destroying Your Belongings
When a narcissist destroys your belongings, it’s not just about breaking things; it’s about breaking you emotionally. They might smash something valuable to you during a rage or accidentally ruin something sentimental, like an old photo or a gift from someone you love. These actions aren’t random; they’re deliberate attempts to make you feel powerless and to show you that they control everything, even the things you cherish.
What’s especially cruel is the emotional aftermath. You might find yourself questioning why the narcissist would do such a thing or even blaming yourself for leaving the item where they could get to it. But here’s the thing: this isn’t about the object; it’s about controlling your emotions by destroying something meaningful. They are clearly saying, “I have the power to take away what matters to you.” It can leave you feeling vulnerable and stuck, but remember their actions don’t define your worth or the value of what you’ve lost.
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