While narcissism often involves taking up too much space, echoism or inverted narcissism, can look like taking up almost no space. The inverted narcissist constantly pleases, rescues, apologizes, or ignores their own needs. In some sibling relationships, one person becomes responsible for keeping the peace, often at the expense of their own feelings. This episode explains how guilt, over-empathy, and fear of disapproval maintain this one-sided, unhealthy pattern of relating. In time, this imbalanced dynamic can even result in sibling estrangement. Healing starts with noticing uncomfortable feelings, pausing before reacting, speaking the truth, and tolerating disappointment.

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You can read Fern's Sibling Estrangement articles on Psychology Today here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/contributors/fern-schumer-chapman

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