How to deal with a toxic partner? - Breaking away from narcissistic abuse

The Relationship Maze

Do you suspect that you or someone you know may be in a relationship with a partner who is narcissistic? Narcissism is a personality disorder. A narcissist has an excessive need for admiration, a distorted view of their own importance and a complete lack of empathy. If you are in a relationship with a narcissist your relationship will be toxic. In today's episode Angela talks to Dr Mariette Jansen, author of 'From Victim to Victor – Narcissism Survival Guide' and the more recent 'Rulebook of a Narcissist – Narcissism Self-help Guide’. Mariette herself was at the receiving end narcissistic abuse; she is passionate about bringing more awareness to the experience of being in this type of toxic relationship. Mariette highlights how to spot the red flags that tell you that your partner might be narcissistic and what to do if you find yourself at the receiving end of narcissistic abuse. Mariette offers practical tips on how to respond adequately to the demands of a narcissist and how to break the narcissist's rules effectively.
Dr Mariette Jansen suffered for many years at the hand of narcissist abuse by her mother. She is now specialising in coaching clients who have a experienced narcissistic abuse by their partner or other people who are close.
Being in a relationship with a partner who is a narcissist gradually and painfully erodes a partner's self esteem and self worth. Often this process is not noticeable to the partner who may increasingly experience a number of feelings and thoughts that tend to be very self critical. A narcissist will shower you with attention and interest in the early stages of the relationship. This 'love bombing' is very seductive and exciting. In the course of the relationship the narcissist will change their tone. They will be become critical, complaining, attacking and may also frequently engage in 'gaslighting' their partner.
In this podcast we discuss how a person who is experiencing narcissistic abuse by their partner may invariably contribute and feed into the abuse. Mariette offers some practical tips on how to respond to your narcissistic partner when they are making unrealistic demands, put you down, make you question your judgement or belittle you.
Not sure whether your partner is a narcissist? Mariette's checklist will give you an idea of the types of behaviour that indicate that you partner may be narcissistic.
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