Have you ever seen someone react as if their entire world just crumbled over a small criticism? That’s what narcissistic mortification feels like. It’s not just embarrassment—it’s what psychologists call the “primitive terror of self-dissolution.”
When narcissists react to mortification, their emotions can explode. They might lash out in rage, retreat into isolation, or desperately try to rebuild their image. Their fragile ego makes even minor setbacks feel like a personal catastrophe. Sound familiar? These intense responses stem from their deep fear of being seen as “less than perfect.”
Key Takeaways
Narcissistic mortification is a strong emotional pain felt when their self-image is hurt.
It can happen due to criticism, failure, or feeling insulted.
These triggers may cause very strong emotional outbursts.
Narcissists often deny or blame others to protect their feelings.
Knowing how they react can help you handle relationships better.
Understanding Narcissistic Mortification
What Is Narcissistic Mortification?
Narcissistic mortification is more than just feeling embarrassed or hurt. It’s a deep emotional wound that strikes at the core of a narcissist’s identity. Imagine building a house of cards—carefully stacking each piece to create something impressive. Now, picture someone knocking it over. That’s what mortification feels like for a narcissist. Their self-image, which they’ve worked so hard to maintain, suddenly collapses.
This emotional pain stems from their fragile ego. Narcissists rely on external validation to feel good about themselves. When that validation disappears or turns into criticism, they experience what psychologists call a “narcissistic injury.” It’s not just a bruise to their ego—it’s a full-blown crisis. They feel exposed, flawed, and vulnerable, which is their worst nightmare.
Triggers of Narcissistic Mortification
So, what sets off this intense reaction? It often happens when a narcissist’s defenses are breached. Events like criticism, failure, or even minor slights can feel like a personal attack. For example, imagine you point out a mistake they made at work. To you, it’s constructive feedback. To them, it’s a threat to their entire self-worth.
Here are some common triggers:
Humiliation: Public embarrassment can feel unbearable.
Shame: Even small mistakes can spiral into overwhelming shame.
Insults: Personal attacks hit them where it hurts most.
Heavy criticism: They struggle to handle feedback, no matter how gentle.
Cheating or betrayal: These feel like ultimate betrayals of trust.
Some specific situations that often lead to mortification include:
Criticism: Whether it’s about their work, appearance, or behavior, they take it personally.
Failure: Falling short of their own high expectations can be devastating.
Perceived slights: Even a harmless comment can feel like an attack.
When narcissists react to mortification, their responses can seem extreme. They might lash out in anger, withdraw completely, or try to regain control by blaming others. Sound familiar?
Psychological Mechanisms Behind Mortification
Why do narcissists react so strongly? It’s all about their psychological defense mechanisms. These are the mental strategies they use to protect their fragile ego. Two common ones are denial and projection.
Denial: Narcissists often refuse to accept reality when it threatens their self-image. For example, if they fail at something, they might convince themselves it wasn’t their fault.
Projection: This involves blaming others for their own flaws or mistakes. If they feel insecure, they might accuse someone else of being “too sensitive” or “incompetent.”
Psychological theories also help explain this behavior:
Object Relations Theory: This theory suggests that early childhood experiences shape how narcissists handle mortification. If they didn’t feel secure or loved as children, they might develop a hypersensitive ego.
Kohut’s Self Psychology: According to this theory, narcissists struggle with feelings of humiliation because they never learned to balance their grandiosity with reality.
Early Psychoanalysts: Experts like Bergler and Eidelberg believed that narcissists fear losing control because it reminds them of early fantasies of omnipotence.
Why Narcissists React the Way They Do
The Role of Ego and Self-Image
Have you ever wondered why narcissists seem to take even the smallest criticism so personally? It all comes down to their ego and self-image. For narcissists, their self-image isn’t just important—it’s everything. They build their identity around being admired, respected, or even envied. When something threatens that image, it feels like their entire sense of self is crumbling.
Here’s the thing: their ego is incredibly fragile. It’s like a balloon that looks big and impressive but pops at the slightest prick. When narcissists react to mortification, they’re not just upset—they’re terrified. This fear stems from a deep sense of humiliation and helplessness. It’s as if their very identity is dissolving, leaving them feeling exposed and powerless.
Why does this happen?
They experience a disintegration of self when their image is threatened.
It triggers feelings of annihilation, similar to the helplessness they might have felt as children.
Their intense reactions, like rage or denial, are attempts to protect themselves from this overwhelming fear.
Defense Mechanisms in Action
When narcissists feel mortified, their mind goes into overdrive to protect their ego. This is where defense mechanisms come into play. These are mental strategies they use—often without realizing it—to shield themselves from emotional pain.
One common defense is rationalization. Let’s say a narcissist gets called out for being rude. Instead of admitting fault, they might say, “I was just being honest. People can’t handle the truth.” By twisting the situation, they preserve their self-image and avoid feeling guilty.
Another tactic is displacement. Imagine they’re frustrated after being criticized at work. Instead of addressing the issue directly, they might snap at a friend or family member. This allows them to vent their emotions without confronting the real source of their pain.
Fear of Vulnerability and Shame
At the heart of a narcissist’s reaction to mortification is a deep fear of vulnerability. To them, being vulnerable means being weak, and weakness is unacceptable. This fear often ties back to early experiences where they may have felt unloved or unworthy. As a result, they’ve learned to hide their true selves behind a mask of confidence and perfection.
But when that mask slips—when someone points out a flaw or criticizes them—they feel exposed. This exposure brings up intense shame, which can be unbearable. Instead of processing these feelings, they might lash out, withdraw, or double down on their grandiose behavior.
Think about it: Have you ever seen someone react to criticism by becoming overly defensive or even attacking the person who criticized them? That’s their way of avoiding vulnerability and the shame that comes with it.
Psychological Underpinnings Of Narcissistic Mortification
Primitive Terror Of Self-Dissolution And Ego Fragility
Have you ever felt so embarrassed that you wanted to disappear? For narcissists, this feeling goes much deeper. It’s not just a moment of discomfort—it’s what psychologists call the “primitive terror of self-dissolution.” This means they feel like their very sense of self is falling apart. It’s as if their identity, which they’ve worked so hard to build, is crumbling in front of their eyes.
Sigmund Freud first introduced this concept in his book Moses and Monotheism. He described how early injuries to the ego could leave lasting scars. For narcissists, these scars make them hypersensitive to anything that threatens their self-image. When they experience mortification, it’s like a death by embarrassment. They feel exposed, defective, and completely vulnerable.
Discrepancy Between Idealized Self And Harsh Reality
Narcissists often create an idealized version of themselves. They see themselves as successful, admired, or even perfect. But what happens when reality doesn’t match this image? That’s when mortification strikes. It’s like holding up a mirror and seeing a completely different reflection than expected.
When a narcissist faces criticism or failure, it clashes with their idealized self-image. This creates a painful gap between who they think they are and who they really are. Psychologists describe this as a “disorienting realization of their limitations.” It’s not just disappointing—it’s terrifying. They feel defeated, humiliated, and out of control.
“Narcissistic mortification is the shocking reaction when individuals face the discrepancy between an endorsed or ideal view of the self and a drastically contrasting realization.”
To cope, narcissists often use defense mechanisms. They might double down on their grandiosity, insisting they’re still the best. Or they might lash out at others, blaming them for their failures. These reactions are their way of avoiding the painful truth. After all, admitting their imperfections would mean facing their deepest fears.
Emotional Responses To Perceived Humiliation
Rage As A Defense Against Crumbling Grandiosity
Have you ever noticed how some people explode with anger when they feel criticized? For narcissists, rage often becomes their go-to reaction when their grandiose self-image starts to crack. It’s not just anger—it’s a defense mechanism. When their ego takes a hit, they feel an overwhelming need to protect themselves, and rage helps them do that.
Why does this happen? Narcissists rely heavily on external validation to maintain their sense of superiority. When they don’t get the admiration they expect, it feels like their world is falling apart. This emotional pain can quickly turn into rage. It’s their way of fighting back against the humiliation and regaining control.
Here’s what’s going on psychologically:
They experience a breakdown of their superior self-image when their self-esteem is injured.
This rage becomes central to their experience of what psychologists call “narcissistic collapse.”
Catastrophic Shame Spiral And Self-Loathing
While rage is often the first response, it’s not the only one. Beneath the anger lies something even more painful: shame. For narcissists, humiliation doesn’t just sting—it cuts deep, triggering what’s known as a catastrophic shame spiral. This is when feelings of shame snowball into self-loathing, creating a cycle that’s hard to escape.
When narcissists feel humiliated, they might initially deny or reject the criticism. They might sulk or fantasize about getting back at the person who hurt them. But if these strategies fail, the humiliation starts to sink in. They begin to feel exposed and flawed, which leads to intense self-hatred.
“Humiliation deeply affects narcissists, often leading to self-hatred and aggressive tendencies. They may fantasize about retaliation but can quickly swing back to elation if they regain validation.”
This shame spiral can make them feel like they’re losing control of their identity. It’s as if the foundation of their self-worth is crumbling, leaving them with nothing to hold onto. To cope, they might retreat into isolation or double down on their grandiosity, trying to convince themselves—and others—that they’re still superior.
Behavioral Manifestations Post-Mortification
Vindictive Retaliation Against Perceived Attackers
Have you ever noticed someone go out of their way to “get even” after feeling slighted? For narcissists, this behavior often takes center stage after mortification. When their ego takes a hit, they may react with vindictive retaliation, targeting those they believe caused their humiliation. This isn’t just about anger—it’s about regaining control and restoring their damaged self-image.
Narcissists often feel an intense need to punish anyone they perceive as a threat. If someone criticizes them, challenges their opinions, or even outshines them, they might lash out. This retaliation can take many forms, from subtle sabotage to outright hostility. For example, they might spread rumors, undermine a colleague’s work, or even try to discredit someone publicly. Why? Because in their mind, the only way to restore balance is to bring others down.
Here’s what drives this behavior:
They feel ignored or unappreciated, which triggers their rage.
They see others’ success or praise as a direct threat to their self-worth.
Their lack of empathy makes it hard for them to see how their actions hurt others.
Imagine a coworker who gets upset when someone else receives recognition. Instead of congratulating them, they might start pointing out flaws or mistakes to shift the spotlight back to themselves. This vindictive streak isn’t about fairness—it’s about protecting their fragile ego. Sound familiar?
Sudden Social Withdrawal And Isolation Patterns
On the flip side, some narcissists react to mortification by retreating entirely. Instead of lashing out, they withdraw from social situations, isolating themselves to avoid further humiliation. This sudden disappearance can feel confusing if you’re close to them. One moment, they’re the life of the party; the next, they’re nowhere to be found.
Why does this happen? When narcissists feel exposed or inadequate, they often experience severe emotional dysregulation. The shame and inadequacy become too overwhelming to face, so they shut down. This withdrawal serves as a protective mechanism, giving them time to rebuild their shattered self-image. It’s like hitting the reset button on their emotions.
Here are some common patterns you might notice:
They oscillate between blaming themselves and blaming others for their pain.
They feel disrespected or targeted, even if no one intended to hurt them.
They might engage in self-deprecating behavior, but only in private.
Cognitive Distortions Amplifying Mortification
Splitting Mechanisms In Threat Perception
Have you ever felt like someone saw the world in extremes—either black or white, with no shades of gray? That’s what splitting looks like, and for narcissists, it’s a common way to handle threats to their self-image. When they feel mortified, their mind often divides people or situations into two categories: completely good or entirely bad. This mental shortcut helps them make sense of their emotions, but it also amplifies their distress.
For example, let’s say you give a narcissist constructive feedback. Instead of seeing it as helpful advice, they might label you as an enemy. Why? Because admitting you’re trying to help would mean acknowledging their flaws, which feels unbearable. Splitting allows them to avoid this discomfort by painting you as the villain in their story.
Here’s how splitting plays out in their thought process:
They experience an intense fear of humiliation or rejection.
They view criticism as a direct attack on their worth.
They struggle to reconcile their idealized self with their perceived flaws.
Magical Thinking To Restore Control Illusions
Have you ever noticed how some people seem to live in their own reality, bending facts to fit their narrative? That’s magical thinking, and for narcissists, it’s a lifeline when mortification strikes. When their grandiose self-image takes a hit, they use magical thinking to regain a sense of control and avoid confronting their vulnerabilities.
For instance, imagine a narcissist faces public criticism. Instead of accepting responsibility, they might convince themselves the criticism was part of a conspiracy against them. This distorted thinking helps them maintain their belief in their superiority, even when reality says otherwise.
Here’s how magical thinking helps them cope:
It reinforces their distorted self-image, making them feel invincible.
It allows them to avoid the painful truth of their imperfections.
It creates a buffer against the shame and fear triggered by mortification.
Sometimes, they even rewrite their memories to fit their narrative. For example, they might remember a failure as a success or blame someone else for their mistakes. This isn’t just denial—it’s a way to protect their fragile ego from the harshness of reality.
Narcissistic Collapse Dynamics
Ego Depletion And Identity Disintegration
Have you ever felt so emotionally drained that even small tasks seemed impossible? For narcissists, this feeling can escalate into something much more severe during a collapse. When mortification strikes, their psychological defenses crumble, leaving them exposed to intense emotional pain. It’s like their carefully constructed identity starts to fall apart, piece by piece.
Narcissists rely heavily on their “false self”—a grandiose image they project to the world. When this image is challenged, they experience ego depletion. This means their mental energy to maintain their facade runs out, leaving them vulnerable to feelings of shame and inadequacy. Imagine a balloon deflating rapidly—that’s how their sense of self feels during this process.
Here’s what often happens:
They might swing between blaming others for their pain and blaming themselves.
Their emotional regulation collapses, leading to unpredictable outbursts or deep withdrawal.
They feel trapped in a cycle of shame, unable to reconcile their idealized self with reality.
Transition To Borderline Personality Functioning
When a narcissist’s defenses break down, their behavior can start to resemble traits of borderline personality disorder (BPD). This doesn’t mean they develop BPD, but the emotional instability and fear of abandonment become strikingly similar. Have you ever noticed someone swinging between extremes—one moment they’re overly attached, and the next, they’re pushing people away? That’s what this transition can look like.
During this phase, narcissists may experience:
Intense fear of rejection: They might cling to others, desperate for reassurance.
Emotional outbursts: Their mood swings become more frequent and unpredictable.
Self-destructive tendencies: They might engage in risky behaviors to cope with their pain.
For example, a narcissist who feels abandoned might suddenly reach out to an ex-partner, not out of love but to regain a sense of control. This behavior, often called “hoovering,” serves as a way to restore their grandiosity. But it’s also a sign of their deep emotional turmoil.
Interpersonal Repercussions Of Mortification
Projection Of Inferiority Onto Intimate Partners
Have you ever felt like someone was projecting their insecurities onto you? Narcissists often do this in their closest relationships, especially after experiencing mortification. When their self-image takes a hit, they may start seeing their flaws in you. Instead of admitting their own feelings of inadequacy, they shift the blame outward. This is called projection, and it’s a way for them to avoid facing their own vulnerabilities.
For example, if a narcissist feels insecure about their career, they might accuse their partner of being unambitious or lazy. It’s not about you—it’s about their internal struggle. This behavior can create a toxic dynamic where you feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells. You might even start questioning your own worth because of their accusations.
In romantic relationships, this hypersensitivity to criticism can lead to frequent misunderstandings. Let’s say you casually mention a friend’s recent promotion. Instead of celebrating with you, the narcissist might interpret this as a comparison to their own lack of success.
This could spiral into an argument filled with accusations like, “You don’t appreciate me” or “You think I’m a failure.” Sound familiar? These moments aren’t about what you said—they’re about how they feel about themselves.
Testing Loyalty Through Provocative Behaviors
Do you ever feel like someone is pushing your buttons just to see how you’ll react? Narcissists often test the loyalty of their partners through provocative behaviors, especially after feeling mortified. This isn’t about love or connection—it’s about control. They want to know if you’ll stick around, even when they’re at their worst.
These tests can take many forms. They might pick a fight over something trivial, flirt with someone else in front of you, or make outrageous demands. For instance, they could accuse you of not caring enough and then expect you to prove your loyalty by dropping everything to focus on them. It’s exhausting, isn’t it?
Defense Cascade Activation
Reactive Grandiosity And Hypercompetence Displays
Have you ever noticed someone suddenly acting like they’re the best at everything after being criticized? That’s reactive grandiosity in action. When narcissists feel mortified, they often double down on their inflated self-image. Instead of admitting their flaws, they might overcompensate by showcasing exaggerated confidence or skills. It’s their way of saying, “I’m still in control.”
This behavior isn’t random. It’s part of a defense cascade—a psychological process that kicks in to protect their fragile ego. Narcissists rely on their “false self,” a carefully constructed image of perfection, to shield themselves from emotional pain. When this image cracks, they scramble to repair it. You might see them suddenly take on tasks they’re not qualified for or boast about achievements that don’t exist. Sound familiar?
Here’s what this might look like:
A coworker who just got criticized might start bragging about their past successes.
A friend who feels overshadowed might suddenly claim expertise in a topic they barely know.
A partner might insist they’re the best at something, even when it’s clearly untrue.
Emotional Numbing Through Destrudo Channeling
On the flip side, some narcissists respond to mortification by shutting down emotionally. This is where destrudo channeling comes in. Destrudo, the opposite of libido, represents destructive energy. When narcissists feel overwhelmed, they might channel this energy inward, numbing themselves to avoid the pain.
You might notice them becoming unusually quiet or detached. They might withdraw from social situations or stop engaging in activities they once enjoyed. This isn’t just sulking—it’s a way to escape the unbearable feelings of shame and vulnerability.
Here’s how this process unfolds:
Denial: They refuse to acknowledge their emotional pain.
Dissociation: They mentally “check out” to avoid confronting their feelings.
Displacement: They redirect their frustration toward unrelated tasks or people.
For example, a narcissist who feels humiliated at work might come home and obsessively clean the house. It’s not about the cleaning—it’s about finding a distraction. One client, Maria (29, a teacher), described it as “shutting off the part of me that feels anything.”
Mortification-Triggered Psychopathology
Acute Psychotic Episodes With Paranoid Features
Have you ever seen someone spiral into paranoia after a stressful event? For narcissists, mortification can trigger something even more intense—acute psychotic episodes. These episodes often come with paranoid features, where they believe others are out to harm or humiliate them. It’s like their mind creates a distorted reality to cope with the overwhelming feelings of shame and fear.
When a narcissist experiences mortification, their sense of control shatters. This loss of control can lead to a psychological breakdown, where their thoughts become disorganized and irrational. They might start accusing others of plotting against them or misinterpreting harmless actions as deliberate attacks. For example, if a coworker forgets to invite them to a meeting, they might convince themselves it was intentional sabotage.
“Narcissistic mortification reflects the deep psychological impact of perceived humiliation, often leading to a sudden loss of control over one’s self-image.”
Malignant Narcissism As Compensatory Armor
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to double down on their worst traits after a setback? For narcissists, mortification can lead to the development of malignant narcissism. This isn’t just regular narcissism—it’s a more extreme form that combines grandiosity with aggression and a lack of empathy. It’s like they build a suit of emotional armor to protect themselves from future humiliation.
When a narcissist feels mortified, they often react by trying to regain control. Instead of addressing their vulnerabilities, they might adopt more hostile and manipulative behaviors. This shift serves as a defense mechanism, helping them feel powerful and invulnerable. For example, they might start dominating conversations, belittling others, or using intimidation to assert their superiority.
“When individuals experience narcissistic mortification, they may transition into a borderline personality organization or state, reflecting the significant psychological response to the injury.”
Neurotic Compensatory Strategies
Intellectualized Superiority Complex Construction
Have you ever met someone who always seems to have a “logical” explanation for why they’re better than everyone else? That’s what happens when narcissists build an intellectualized superiority complex. It’s their way of coping with the deep feelings of inadequacy triggered by mortification. Instead of admitting their flaws, they retreat into their intellect, using it as a shield to protect their fragile ego.
Here’s how it works. When a narcissist feels humiliated, they might start emphasizing their intelligence or expertise in a specific area. For example, if someone criticizes their social skills, they might respond with, “Well, I don’t waste time on small talk because I’m focused on more important things.” It’s not about the truth—it’s about convincing themselves (and you) that they’re still superior.
This strategy often involves:
Overcomplicating simple ideas: They might use big words or complex theories to sound smarter.
Dismissing others’ opinions: If someone disagrees, they’ll claim the other person just doesn’t “get it.”
Rewriting the narrative: They’ll twist situations to make themselves look like the smartest person in the room.
Long-Term Effects of Mortification on Narcissists
Emotional Collapse and Psychological Distress
Have you ever seen someone crumble emotionally after a setback? For narcissists, mortification can lead to long-term emotional collapse. The intense feelings of humiliation and shame don’t just fade—they linger, creating a constant internal struggle. They may oscillate between moments of grandiosity and crushing feelings of inferiority. This emotional rollercoaster leaves them feeling stuck, unable to find stability.
When narcissists experience mortification, their sense of self takes a hit. It’s like their identity gets shaken to its core. Over time, this can lead to psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, or even chronic feelings of emptiness. They might try to mask these emotions with their usual bravado, but underneath, they’re battling a storm of self-doubt and pain. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever noticed someone overcompensating after a failure, you’ve likely seen this in action.
Behavioral Changes Over Time
Mortification doesn’t just affect how narcissists feel—it changes how they act. Over time, you might notice shifts in their behavior that seem out of character. For some, this means becoming more withdrawn. They might avoid situations where they could face criticism or failure, retreating into isolation to protect their fragile ego.
Others might go in the opposite direction, doubling down on their grandiosity. They could become more boastful, more competitive, or even more aggressive in their interactions. This isn’t about confidence—it’s about trying to rebuild their shattered self-image. For example, a narcissist who feels humiliated at work might suddenly start bragging about unrelated achievements to regain a sense of control.
Potential for Narcissistic Collapse
In extreme cases, the long-term effects of mortification can lead to what psychologists call a narcissistic collapse. This happens when a narcissist’s defenses completely break down, leaving them unable to maintain their grandiose self-image. It’s like watching a house of cards fall apart—sudden, dramatic, and hard to recover from.
During a collapse, narcissists might experience intense shame, self-loathing, and even identity disintegration. They could swing between blaming themselves and blaming others, unable to find a way forward. This state of collapse can lead to severe emotional distress, making it difficult for them to function in their daily lives.
Conclusion
Narcissistic mortification isn’t just a moment of embarrassment—it’s a deep emotional wound that shakes their identity. You’ve seen how triggers like criticism or failure can lead to intense reactions like rage, withdrawal, or even retaliation. Understanding these dynamics helps you navigate relationships with narcissists while protecting your own well-being.
How can you manage these interactions? Start by practicing empathy and validation to create a safe space. Reflect on their behavior patterns and communicate your feelings calmly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is narcissistic mortification in simple terms?
Narcissistic mortification happens when a narcissist feels their self-image is under attack. It’s like their carefully built “perfect” persona gets shattered. This leads to intense feelings of shame, fear, or anger. Sound familiar? Think of it as their worst nightmare of being exposed.
Why do narcissists react so strongly to criticism?
Criticism feels like a personal attack on their identity. Their self-worth depends on admiration and validation. When that’s threatened, they feel humiliated and vulnerable. This triggers extreme reactions like rage or withdrawal. Have you ever seen someone overreact to a small comment? That’s why.
Can narcissistic mortification lead to long-term effects?
Yes, it can. Over time, repeated mortification may cause emotional collapse, anxiety, or depression. Some narcissists might isolate themselves, while others become more aggressive. In extreme cases, it can lead to a complete breakdown of their self-image, known as narcissistic collapse.
How can you handle a narcissist’s rage after mortification?
Stay calm and avoid escalating the situation. Don’t take their anger personally—it’s their defense mechanism. Set clear boundaries and protect your emotional well-being. Have you ever felt drained after dealing with their outbursts? That’s why boundaries are essential.
Why do narcissists blame others for their failures?
Blaming others helps them avoid facing their flaws. Admitting mistakes feels like admitting they’re not perfect, which is unbearable for them. Projection—shifting blame onto others—is their way of protecting their fragile ego. Have you ever been unfairly blamed by someone? That’s projection in action.
Can narcissists change after experiencing mortification?
Change is possible but rare. It requires them to confront their vulnerabilities and seek professional help. Most narcissists avoid this because it’s painful to face their flaws. However, with therapy and self-awareness, some can develop healthier coping mechanisms over time.
How does mortification affect their relationships?
Mortification often leads to toxic behaviors like blaming, testing loyalty, or withdrawing. This creates tension and mistrust in relationships. Have you ever felt like you were walking on eggshells around someone? That’s a common experience when dealing with a narcissist after mortification.
What should you do if you’re in a relationship with a narcissist?
Focus on setting boundaries and prioritizing your mental health. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. Remember, their behavior reflects their struggles, not your worth. You deserve a relationship built on mutual respect, not constant emotional strain.