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77 Surviving A Narcissist Quotes

77 Surviving A Narcissist Quotes from therapists & survivors. The comfort you need when healing feels hard.

77 Surviving A Narcissist Quotes by Som Dutt From Embrace Inner Chaos

Surviving A Narcissist Quotes aren’t just words on a page when you’re dealing with someone who twists reality, denies truth, and makes you question your own memory. These quotes become lifelines that remind you the gaslighting isn’t in your head. When a toxic person can no longer control you, they’ll try controlling how others see you, but these powerful words help you stay grounded in your truth.

Recovery from narcissistic abuse follows a messy, non-linear path where some days you feel strong and others completely drained. That’s why survivors turn to quotes from therapists like Dr. Ramani Durvasula who explains that narcissists don’t co-regulate, they manipulate. Each quote validates experiences you couldn’t explain before, naming patterns of emotional manipulation, boundary violations, and the predictable cycle of idealization, devaluation, and discard.

These surviving narcissist quotes do more than offer comfort during dark moments. They provide clarity about toxic behavior, remind you that healing is possible, and reinforce that you deserve respect and healthy relationships. Whether you’re setting boundaries, rebuilding self-worth, or simply need validation that you’re not alone, these words from survivors and experts light the path forward.

77 Surviving A Narcissist Quotes

Empowering words from therapists, survivors, and experts to guide your healing journey from narcissistic abuse

1

“Many people initially feel overwhelmed and powerless, but through therapy, they learn to establish firm boundaries and prioritize their own well-being.”

― Dr. Melissa Boudin, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
2

“The first step to avoiding a narcissist in your life is spotting them! Understand that there are two distinct types of narcissistic personalities to be on the lookout for: grandiose and vulnerable.”

― Claire Karakey, LPC
3

“I tell adults I work with never to waste their time arguing with a narcissist. You cannot win with a narcissist. Their perspective is always theirs.”

― Deedee Cummings, M.Ed., LPCC, JD
4

“Narcissistic abuse is a soul-crushing form of emotional abuse inflicted upon victims by narcissists. It is the most insidious form of abuse because it is a deliberate and systematic erosion of a person’s sense of self.”

― Randi Fine, Narcissistic Abuse Expert and Recovery Coach
5

“When a toxic person can no longer control you, they will try to control how others see you. The misinformation will feel unfair, but you stay above it, trusting that other people will eventually see the truth just like you did.”

― Jill Blakeway, Author
6

“You don’t attract narcissists because something is wrong with you. You attract narcissists because so much is right with you.”

― Rebecca Zung, Narcissistic Abuse Expert and Attorney
7

“The narcissist’s greatest magic trick is making you disappear while you’re still standing right there.”

― Som Dutt, Narcissistic Abuse Survivor
8

“A narcissist doesn’t break your heart; they break your spirit. That’s why it takes so long to heal.”

― Unknown
9

“I didn’t leave because I stopped loving you. I left because the longer I stayed, the less I loved myself.”

― Rupi Kaur, Poet
10

“The moment that you start to wonder if you deserve better, you do.”

― Chenell Parker, Relationship Coach
11

“It’s so nice when toxic people stop talking to you. It’s like the trash took itself out.”

― Karen Salmansohn, Bestselling Author and Survivor
12

“You will never really see how toxic someone is until you breathe fresher air.”

― Unknown
13

“Sometimes you have to make a decision that will hurt your heart but heal your soul.”

― Trent Shelton, Motivational Speaker
14

“The process of healing from narcissistic abuse can be painful, but it’s important to trust the journey. It can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and a greater sense of self-worth.”

― Andrea Schneider, LCSW
15

“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”

― Maya Angelou, Poet and Civil Rights Activist
16

“Abuse survivors are often the strongest individuals out there. They’ve been belittled, criticized, demeaned, devalued, and yet they’ve still survived.”

― Shahida Arabi, Psychologist and Author
17

“It usually takes a great deal of effort, resources, strength, validation, addressing wounding on all levels of body and mind, for a survivor to become fully empowered to begin to heal from this form of trauma.”

― Shahida Arabi, Psychologist and Author
18

“The narcissist’s behavior appears to be very unpredictable when you are under their spell. When you step away and educate yourself on narcissism, you will see they are the most predictable bunch of people on this planet.”

― Sam Vaknin, Expert on Narcissism
19

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest Souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”

― Khalil Gibran, Philosopher
20

“Stop Rewarding Bad Behavior. Complete withdrawal and indifference is what destroys the narcissist and keeps them up at night.”

― Shahida Arabi, Psychologist and Author
21

“The enemy doesn’t stand a chance when the victim decides to survive.”

― Rae Smith, Author
22

“Don’t set yourself on fire to keep someone else warm.”

― Unknown
23

“It’s okay. You just forgot who you were. Welcome back.”

― Unknown
24

“If you don’t heal what hurt you, you will bleed all over those who didn’t cut you.”

― Unknown
25

“Letting go means to come to the realization that some people are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny.”

― Steve Maraboli, Motivational Speaker
26

“Don’t ask why someone keeps hurting you. Ask yourself why you are allowing them.”

― Robert Tew, Author
27

“The narcissist is like a bucket with a hole in the bottom: No matter how much you put in, you can never fill it up.”

― Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
28

“Relationships with narcissists are held in place by the hope of a someday better, with little evidence to support it will ever arrive.”

― Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
29

“The phrase ‘I never feel like I am enough’ is the mantra of the person in a narcissistic relationship. That’s because to your narcissistic partner, you are not. No one is. Nothing is.”

― Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
30

“Narcissists try to destroy your life with lies because they know theirs can be destroyed with the truth.”

― Rebecca Zung, Narcissistic Abuse Expert
31

“Since narcissists deep down feel themselves to be faultless, it is inevitable that when they are in conflict with the world, they will invariably perceive the conflict as the world’s fault.”

― M. Scott Peck, Psychiatrist
32

“There is nothing to be gained from attempting to empathize with someone who is neurologically incapable of returning the favor.”

― Dr. Martha Stout, Psychologist
33

“The fact of the matter is, if you haven’t been in an abusive relationship, you don’t really know what the experience is like. Abuse survivors are often the strongest individuals out there.”

― Shahida Arabi, Psychologist
34

“Narcissists are consumed with maintaining a shallow false self to others. They’re constantly seeking admiration and validation to fill an internal void that can never be satisfied.”

― Shahida Arabi, Psychologist
35

“Stop Rewarding Bad Behavior. If your narcissist did not appreciate your presence, why not give them your absence?”

― Shahida Arabi, Psychologist
36

“When someone oversteps your boundaries, they’re letting you know that what you want doesn’t matter.”

― Unknown
37

“Love doesn’t die a natural death. Love has to be killed, either by neglect or narcissism.”

― Frank Salvato, Author
38

“Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.”

― Maya Angelou, Poet
39

“Just because someone desires you, does not mean that they value you.”

― Nayyirah Waheed, Poet
40

“A narcissist wants the authority of a king while having the accountability of a toddler.”

― Haryo Aswicahyono, Writer
41

“When people say, you’ve changed, there’s a 95% chance that you just stopped acting the way they wanted you to.”

― Barb Schmidt, Author
42

“You must make a decision that you are going to move on. It won’t happen automatically. You will have to rise up and say, I don’t care how hard this is, I’m moving on with my life.”

― Joel Osteen, Pastor
43

“A healthy relationship will never require you to sacrifice your friends, your dream, or your dignity.”

― Marvin Sapp, Gospel Singer
44

“Run from people who say, you are so lucky to be with me. If you really are, he won’t need to remind you.”

― Emma Xu, Relationship Expert
45

“Actions prove who someone is. Words just prove who they pretend to be.”

― Anthon St. Maarten, Author
46

“What you allow is what will continue.”

― Elizabeth Gilbert, Author
47

“Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it.”

― George Bernard Shaw, Playwright
48

“Pay close attention to the people who don’t clap when you win.”

― Leonardo DiCaprio, Actor
49

“The devil doesn’t come to you with a red face and horns. He comes to you disguised as everything you’ve ever wanted.”

― Tucker Max, Author
50

“The trust of the innocent is the liar’s most useful tool.”

― Stephen King, Author
51

“If you saw the size of the blessing coming, you would understand the magnitude of the battle you are fighting.”

― Mel Robbins, Motivational Speaker
52

“Don’t let negative and toxic people rent space inside your head. Raise the rent and kick them out.”

― Zig Ziglar, Motivational Speaker
53

“People who shine from within don’t need a spotlight.”

― Zig Ziglar, Motivational Speaker
54

“If the words don’t add up, it’s usually because the truth wasn’t included in the equation.”

― Amy Rees Anderson, Author
55

“To not have your suffering recognized is an almost unbearable form of violence.”

― Andrei Lankov, Historian
56

“Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping it will transform into a door.”

― Coco Chanel, Fashion Designer
57

“How beautiful it is to stay silent when someone expects you to be enraged.”

― Paulo Coelho, Author
58

“You can only let someone throw so many stones at you before you pick them all up, put them together, and build a wall to keep them from doing it again.”

― Jerose, Author
59

“If you’re in a relationship and all you do is cry, you need to stop and ask yourself, are you dating a human or an onion?”

― Mila Kunis, Actress
60

“When you give narcissists your love, you hand them the rope to hang you with.”

― Susan Shofer, Author
61

“The worst thing about being lied to is knowing that you weren’t worth the truth.”

― Jean-Paul Sartre, Philosopher
62

“Some of the most poisonous people come disguised as family and friends.”

― Dhar Mann, Entrepreneur
63

“They can’t kill your dreams, so they assassinate your character.”

― Nitya Prakash, Author
64

“I used to think I was overreacting. Now I realize it was just a normal reaction to an abnormal amount of bullshit.”

― Unknown
65

“View your life as a toxic-free zone! If someone treats you badly don’t lower yourself to their level. Stay toxicity free. Simply do what you can to move on.”

― Karen Salmansohn, Bestselling Author and Survivor
66

“It’s okay to speak up for yourself, be assertive and refuse disrespect. It doesn’t make you a bitch. It makes you someone who is setting healthy boundaries.”

― Karen Salmansohn, Bestselling Author and Survivor
67

“Narcissists rewrite history to escape accountability. You are not crazy.”

― Karen Salmansohn, Bestselling Author and Survivor
68

“The truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to hide it. Lies are just a temporary delay to the inevitable.”

― Karen Salmansohn, Bestselling Author and Survivor
69

“Maintaining emotional first aid or emotional self-care is extremely important. A therapist can help you get comfortable with saying no.”

― Katelyn Moon, LMFTA
70

“Narcissists will devalue everything about you, then blame you for being worthless. This is not a reflection of your worth, but a reflection of their inability to see worth in others.”

― Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
71

“The best narcissist repellant out there may not be yelling or screaming or revenge but simply indifference.”

― Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
72

“Healing from narcissistic abuse requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate emotional wounds and the long-term psychological impact.”

― Ms. Ashima Sahore, MSc. Clinical Psychology
73

“When it comes to narcissistic abuse, the healing journey is not linear. You have to untangle and deprogram all the falsities they’ve ingrained in your mind.”

― Shenella Karunaratne, LPC
74

“Narcissistic abuse is insidious, and victims often need professional help to rebuild their self-worth and regain their independence.”

― Joni Ogle, LCSW
75

“Coping with narcissism requires setting firm boundaries to protect your emotional well-being. Seeking support provides essential validation and guidance.”

― Dr. Nick Bach, Psy.D
76

“By taking care of yourself, you build the strength and resilience needed to handle difficult interactions and maintain your recovery.”

― Joshua Collins, LCSW
77

“The only way to win with a toxic person is not to play.”

― Unknown

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