Codependent Narcissists: Know Who Are They And How To Spot Them

What Is Codependency Recovery?

It’s not easy to spot a codependent narcissist. They’re clever, manipulative, and can be very charming in the beginning. But once people get you hooked on their game, it’s hard to escape. And if you try, they’ll make you pay a big price. We’ll show you how to identify these types of people so that you don’t fall victim. Then we’ll give some helpful tips on how to break through the relationship before it’s too late!

Who Are Codependent Narcissists?

codependent narcissist

Narcissism is a term for people who think they are better than others. They don’t care about other people’s feelings and they try to take advantage of them. Narcissists are typically extremely selfish individuals with very little insight into their own behavior. They’re also not the most faithful type of person either! Codependent narcissists are different though because they have an excessive need to please others. People sometimes do things to make their partner happy, even if it makes them unhappy, too.

Codependent narcissists are often serial daters. This is because they’re always looking for someone new who can make them feel special and important. And when that person eventually leaves, they’re right back out there looking for their next victim.

How to Spot a Codependent Narcissist?

Activities For Brainspotting Therapy

There are some key signs that can help you spot a codependent narcissist. They include:

  • Having an excessive need to please others: This is the most telling sign of a codependent narcissist. They will go out of their way to do things for others, even if it makes them unhappy.
  • Being very charming and manipulative in the beginning: Codependent narcissists are experts at manipulation. They’ll be super nice to you in the beginning, but once they have you hooked, that’s when the gaslighting begins.
  • Becoming controlling and jealous over time: Codependent narcissists are unable to be happy for others, even if they’re in a relationship with you! They’ll want to control everything that you do because of their own insecurities. This can become quite suffocating after a while.
  • Being overly dependent: Codependent narcissists need others to survive. They often have low self-esteem and can’t function without someone by their side.
  • Having a history of failed relationships: Narcissists are people who took relationships that didn’t work. Sometimes they are not able to give anything more than themselves. This is due to their lack of empathy and compassion for others.
  • Expecting others to do things for them: Codependent narcissists often expect others to do things for them without ever asking. This can be very frustrating, especially if you’re not used to it.

Relationship Cycle with a Codependent Narcissist

codependent narcissist relationship

Most codependent narcissists follow the same relationship cycle. It usually involves three stages, which include:

  • Love bombing stage: During this phase of the relationship, they’ll say all of these wonderful things about you and how much their life has changed since meeting you! A codependent narcissist knows what to say in order to win you over.
  • Manipulation stage: Codependent narcissists are masters of manipulation! They do not want you to leave. They might use gaslighting or even put pressure on your feelings so you will stay there with them. This is the phase where they’ll start trying to control who you hang out with and how you spend your time.
  • The discard stage: Codependent narcissists will eventually discard you when they’ve gotten what they want from you. This can be a very traumatic experience, especially if you’re not prepared for it. They’ll often make up lies about why they left or even try to blame you for the breakup!

Reasons For Being A Codependent Narcissist

Codependent narcissists have a lot of reasons for being the way that they are. These include:

  • Growing up in an environment with narcissistic parents: This can lead to codependent behavior as children because it’s all they’ve ever known. They think this is how relationships work and mimic those behaviors from their childhood!
  • Feeling insecure or unworthy: Codependent narcissists often feel insecure or unworthy of love. This is why they need to be in control of the relationship and have someone who constantly pleases them.
  • Narcissistic tendencies: Some people might become codependent narcissists because they have narcissistic tendencies. They might enjoy feeling superior to others or being the center of attention.

How to Break Up with a Codependent Narcissist?

What Is Break-Up?

Breaking up with a codependent narcissist can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. You’ll need to be prepared for the backlash that you might receive from them. Some tips include:

  • Making your break-up clear and concise: Don’t leave any room for interpretation when breaking up with a codependent narcissist. Be direct and tell them why you’re leaving.
  • Staying firm and standing your ground: Codependent narcissists will try to manipulate you into staying with them. Don’t give in! Stand your ground and be prepared to walk away if necessary.
  • Having a support system: It’s important to have a support system during and after a break-up with a codependent narcissist. Lean on your friends and family for support during this time.
  • Moving on: It’s going to take time, but you will eventually move on from this relationship. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself to grieve the loss of this relationship.

Codependent narcissists can be very damaging to your mental health. It’s important to be aware of the signs so you can protect yourself from them. If you are in a relationship with a codependent narcissist, it’s best to get out as soon as possible!

Self-Care After Breaking Up With A Codependent Narcissist

Tips for Protecting Yourself After Breaking Up with Someone

Breakups can be very difficult, especially when you’re breaking up with a codependent narcissist. It’s important to practice self-care after such an event so it doesn’t take its toll on your mental health. Some tips for doing this include:

  • Reaching out to friends and family: Lean on those who love and care about you during this time. They’ll be a great support system for you.
  • Exercising and spending time outdoors: Exercise is a great way to release endorphins and help you feel better. Spending time outdoors can also help clear your head and make you feel more at peace.
  • Getting adequate sleep: It’s important to get a good night’s sleep after a breakup. This will help your body and mind to recover.
  • Treating yourself: Sometimes you just need to treat yourself! Indulge in your favorite activities, buy yourself something nice, or take a relaxing bath.

The break-up process can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are people who love and care about you, so lean on them during this time. You’ll eventually get through it!

Helping Someone Who Is With A Codependent Narcissist

Helping Someone Deal With Toxicity

If you’re worried about a friend or family member who is dating someone with codependent narcissism, there are some tips that might help them.

  • Lend an ear: When people get into relationships like this one, they often isolate themselves from others. Let your loved ones know that you’re always available if they need to talk and encourage them to reach out.
  • Don’t give ultimatums: Codependent narcissists will use your feelings against you. So do not make your loved one feel guilty for leaving the relationship. Don’t give ultimatums unless you’re prepared to follow through with them!
  • Help them find resources: The internet is a great resource for finding support and information about codependent narcissism. Encourage your loved one to go online and do some research on their own.

If you are dating someone who is codependent and has narcissistic tendencies, or if you want to help someone who is recovering from the relationship, there are many resources available for you. It’s important to remember that these relationships can be damaging to your mental health, so it’s important to protect yourself from them.

Conclusion

A codependent narcissist is someone who has a constant need to be needed. They are so focused on their own needs that they neglect the needs of others, often resulting in them feeling like they can’t do anything right and needing validation from those around them. Codependency is not only dangerous for an individual but also harmful to relationships with loved ones as well. Fortunately, it’s possible for people exhibiting these characteristics to get help by changing their behavior patterns or talking through some serious mental health issues. If you think you might have this disorder yourself or know someone else who does, I encourage you to seek out professional treatment before any damage is done more than ever!

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