You excitedly tell your friend you finally got that promotion you’ve been working very hard for. After giving you a blank stare that seems to last forever, she sourly congratulates you...and quickly changes the subject.

You used to hang out with your friends all the time, but not anymore - your partner doesn’t like them. Every intention to see them turns into a huge argument that drains your energy to the point where you just decide to stay home.

Does this sound familiar?

If it does, then you’re in dire need of a wake-up call.

There’s no time to dance around the issue - you are being emotionally abused by a narcissist.

You can keep telling yourself that your unsupportive friend was just having a hard day, that your parents keep criticizing you because they’re perfectionists who only want the best for you...or that your friends simply don’t understand how sensitive your partner is.

These are just excuses you make to justify their abusive behavior.

But beware: The longer you allow it to continue, the more emotional and psychological damage you’ll suffer.

Narcissists are excellent manipulators, so spotting one in your inner circle is not easy. Their ability to mask harmful intentions with seductive words and charming behavior is unparalleled.

As is the destructiveness they unleash on people close to them.

So how can you escape the toxic claws of narcissism?

Well, narcissists have weaknesses, too. They feed off of your insecurities, self-doubt, loneliness, and anxiety.

Take those away, and the narcissist is left with nothing to exploit and use against you.

You are the key to your recovery - it’s time to regain control and free yourself from narcissistic abuse.