It is very likely that if you’re in a narcissistic relationship, you would have noticed some red flags at various stages. Maybe your partner was manipulative, played on your emotions, was gaslighting you, would blame you for things you didn’t do…

Anyone can find themselves n a relationship with a narcissist, especially a grandiose narcissist, who will be charming, charismatic, and manipulative. However, if you repeatedly find yourself in relationships with narcissists, it is likely that this isn’t a coincidence, and that there is something deeper at play here.

Typically, narcissists follow a pattern of three stages in romantic relationships; love bombing, devaluation, and discarding. The length of each stage and each cycle will depend on the person and the particular relationship, and perhaps what is going on in their lives outside of the relationship as well, but generally, the pattern seems to fit.

Narcissists lack the skill to make you feel seen, heard, or validated. This is because they don’t generally grasp the concept of feelings. They generally understand their own emotions, but not the emotions of others.

At the heart of our existence is our need to be intimate with and loved by another. But it can often feel like there are so many obstacles in our way.

We all love a bit of gossip, but a gaslighter will wield gossip like a weapon. Gossip gives the gaslighter a feeling of power and control over those around them.

There is not really one particular definition of a “healthy” relationship, as it depends on the ever-changing needs of those in the relationship. These needs change from person to person, and as we grow and experience life. So, a healthy relationship in your 20s will look very different from a healthy relationship in your 40s.

Boundaries are agreed on limitations on a relationship. The reason that we set boundaries in a relationship is so that others know what you are and are not willing to do.

Domestic abuse is not just physical, it also includes things such as coercive control, manipulation, psychological and emotional abuse, sexual abuse (including partner rape), financial abuse, harassment and stalking, and online abuse.

Dating in the 21st century has turned into a tricky business. Gone are the days of meeting someone at school, church, or through friends. Today is the day of the internet hook-up and the plethora of dating apps.