8. Fear of Intimacy
As a result of this dynamic, you may develop a fear of intimacy similar to the narcissist’s. Survivors of narcissistic abuse, who may have once been secure or anxious, may adopt an avoidant attachment style, keeping relationships at arm’s length. Healing is essential to unlearn these fears and recognize that not everyone is out to take advantage of you.
Learning to trust yourself to recognize red flags and practicing open, honest communication are key to finding a partner who understands your trust issues and offers patience, compassion, and understanding.
Summary: Adopted Traits and the Path to Healing
In summary, victims of narcissistic abuse may adopt the following traits from their narcissistic partners:
- Fantastical thinking
- Lack of boundaries
- Antisocial behaviors
- Resentment and jealousy toward others
- Neediness and insecurity
- Hypervigilant paranoia
- Symptoms of post-traumatic stress
- Fear of intimacy
It’s not uncommon for survivors to want to reconnect and repair broken relationships with friends or family once they regain clarity and step out of the fog the narcissist created. If you’re a friend or family member of someone who has been through this, please forgive them, they didn’t know what they were doing. What they need most now is your love and support to piece themselves back together.
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