One way to know if you are stuck in an unhealthy or toxic relationship, is if it is costing you other important relationships.
You need to really be able to step back and evaluate your friendships and other family relationships. Are you being isolated? Are you being talked down to or manipulated. Truly listen to your loved ones because sometimes they need to be your voice of reason when your mind has been so manipulated by the person you love.
Often, the person we think loves us, is emotionally abusing us. Sometimes, they are not even aware because they are covert narcissistic. And other times they are aware and are narcissistic and want to control or manipulate the situation. Either way, it is unhealthy. Especially, in the case where children are involved and neglected as a result of being squeezed out of the relationship altogether. It is terribly heartbreaking to watch. Yet, sooo many people endure it. It is more common than one would imagine.
I would just encourage all of you, as my friends and readers, to please be aware of the signs of both emotional abuse and of covert narcissistic tendencies. Emotional abuse is equally as harmful as physical abuse, and although we do not see the wounds, the light in the soul is dimmed each time and the self esteem is deeply damaged. Those wounds go far beneath the surface.
We can ALWAYS change and reinvent our lives. I am living proof. So please, if you see a friend or family member silently suffering- offer to help by listening to her story, maybe offer to help find her a good therapist. Most of all, let her know she does not have to stay in that situation. I think personally most women sadly feel stuck financially. But, I can tell you it is very liberating once you realize you really CAN make it on your own. So, I hope my list of ways to Level Up in 2021 will help inspire a few people to take a leap of faith and truly improve your life. You deserve to be happy and free! And if you feel confused- you are not happy and not with the right person! You are being manipulated.
Peace & Light,
Libby