Explore articles about self-love in relationships and post-breakup healing. Learn strategies to maintain independence, and regain happiness.
I didn’t heal in therapy. I healed when I walked away from my dysfunctional and toxic family. For 6 months, I sat on couches across from a well-meaning therapist who taught me to “process” my mother’s cruelty and “understand” my sister’s betrayal. I learned fancy terms like “emotional dysregulation” and “trauma bonding.” I practiced breathing … Read more
My narcissistic ex did me the biggest favor of my life. He made me completely immune to manipulation. I should probably send him a thank-you card. Actually, scratch that. He doesn’t deserve the acknowledgment. But here’s what’s wild: while he was busy trying to break me down, he accidentally built me up. Every lie he … Read more
When my cousin texted me, “Your mother is heartbroken and just wants her daughter back,” I knew exactly what game we were playing. This wasn’t a concern; it was a guilt missile, perfectly aimed and launched from someone who had no idea what really happened behind closed doors. But here’s what changed everything: I finally … Read more
I became undateable to toxic and narcissistic men the moment I created my non-negotiable dating rules. And honestly? Best decision I ever made. Six months. That’s all it took for my narcissistic ex to nearly destroy everything I’d built for myself. But here’s the thing: I saw it coming faster than most survivors do, and … Read more
One of the hardest parts about cutting off a toxic family isn’t the silence, it’s the annoying family members who won’t let you enjoy it. When I finally walked away from my narcissistic mother and sister, I thought the battle was over. I had no idea I’d spend the next three to four months defending … Read more
The guilt almost killed me more than the abuse itself, and that’s exactly what my narcissistic family was counting on. For eleven months after cutting off my family, I tortured myself with “what ifs” and “maybe I should try again” until I realized the guilt wasn’t love, it was the final chain keeping me trapped. … Read more
Everyone told me I needed to “get back out there” after my narcissistic ex stole my credit score and my self-worth in six months flat. I did the opposite, and that rebellious choice led me straight to my husband. But let me back up. Picture this: You’re 29, still figuring out life, and your toxic … Read more
I used to manage my narcissistic mother’s emotions better than my own bank account. Now I run a successful business with my husband, and she still can’t regulate a conversation without screaming. Sad, if you were to ask me. For thirty years, I was the family’s emotional manager, apologizing for everyone’s outbursts, smoothing over their … Read more
I thought I had found the one. Instead, I found my worst nightmare. He didn’t show up like a monster. I wished! He showed up like a dream. Attentive, charming, and full of promises that made me believe I would be safe. For a while, I thought I had hit the jackpot. But slowly, and … Read more
I stayed longer than I should have because I still loved my narcissistic mother, even when I knew, deep down, her feelings for me weren’t the same. I kept hoping that one day she’d see me, understand me, maybe even love me the way I needed. That hope kept me tied to them far past … Read more
