This Is How My Narcissistic Parent Tried to Sabotage My Identity (PT 1)
A lot of it was so subtle it took me years to understand.
Talking about your childhood trauma is no small thing, especially when you come from a narcissistic household. It’s really one of the scariest things you can do. Not only does it go against every “rule” you’ve ever been taught by that family, but it also leaves you vulnerable and exposed to a world that doesn’t always have the compassion (or experience) to understand.
It’s hard to put into words just how damaging these childhoods are. Growing up in the shadow of a narcissistic parent is harrowing. It teaches you to fear the world and to fear the people around you. Just look at my own story. For years, I couldn’t form stable relationships because I thought, “Look what your mother did to you. What do you think these people will do?”
Without a doubt, being raised by a narcissist changed my trajectory in life. It especially changed my understanding of and relationship with my “true self.”
Narcissistic parents warp their children’s identity. That’s one of the worst things about them. Through fear, intimidation, criticism, triangulation, and a host of other tactics, narcissistic parents break down their children and make it impossible for them to develop healthy self-esteem and relationships.
My narcissistic mother was subtle and it took a long time to see her behaviors for their true intention (and their true cost).