Why Do You Feel Guilty for Wanting to Leave? Breaking the Emotional Chains of Narcissistic "Love"

Photo byJoshua HoehneonUnsplash

This article was written with the help of AI.

One of the cruelest effects of trauma bonding with a narcissist is the overwhelming guilt you feel when you consider leaving. Narcissists are experts at making you believe that their well-being depends on you, which can leave you feeling responsible for their happiness—while they repeatedly hurt you.

If you feel guilty for wanting to leave, understand that this is part of the manipulation. Narcissists thrive on creating emotional dependency, making you feel as though walking away would be selfish. But in reality, staying in a toxic relationship harms both you and the narcissist.

Breaking the emotional chains begins with recognizing that your feelings of guilt are not your own—they’ve been implanted by the narcissist to keep you tethered. Start by focusing on your own needs and well-being. Remember, you are not responsible for fixing someone who continually hurts you.

Finding a support network and seeking therapy can help you build the confidence to leave without guilt, allowing you to reclaim your emotional freedom.

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