Do You Feel Stuck but Can’t Explain Why? How Trauma Bonds Make You Stay with a Narcissist

Photo byYaroslav КorshikovonUnsplash

This article was written with the help of AI.

Feeling stuck in a relationship with a narcissist, despite knowing it's toxic, is often the result of a trauma bond. Trauma bonds are formed through repeated cycles of emotional abuse and reconciliation, creating an intense attachment that can feel impossible to break.

Even though the narcissist may hurt you emotionally, you find yourself unable to leave. This is because trauma bonds create confusion. The highs—when they’re loving or apologetic—feel so good that you cling to the hope that things will change. The lows—when they manipulate or criticize—leave you doubting yourself, creating a toxic cycle of dependency.

To break this bond, you need to recognize the emotional manipulation at play. Start by acknowledging the harmful patterns and seeking outside help. Therapy can help you untangle the emotional confusion and guide you toward rebuilding your self-esteem. By identifying the root of the bond, you can finally free yourself from the cycle and begin to heal.

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