Have you ever found yourself in a relationship where your needs always seem to come second? Or maybe you’ve wondered why some women, especially neurodivergent ones, end up in toxic relationships time and time again. Whether it’s a romantic partner, a colleague, or even a family member, understanding how narcissists operate can help you protect yourself and reclaim your sense of self-worth. 

This episode tackles those difficult questions with compassion and clarity, exploring the hidden patterns that keep us stuck and how to break free.

Timestamps (approx):

2 mins: The trap of love bombing: why it feels so good at first and how it keeps you stuck in a toxic cycle.

4 mins: How childhood experiences with narcissistic parents or caregivers shape the relationships we seek as adults.

8 mins: Spotting manipulation tactics like blame-shifting, emotional hot potato, and gaslighting - and how to protect yourself.

12 mins: Steps to break the cycle: creating a safe exit plan, building a support network, and finding your way back to yourself.

This isn’t about pointing fingers or placing blame - it’s about helping you see the patterns, make sense of your experiences, and take back control of your life.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses topics like abuse, manipulation, and toxic relationships, which may be distressing to some listeners. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please prioritise your well-being and consider listening to a different episode or proceed with caution. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's okay to take a break or seek support.

Related Episode:

S02E28: Protecting Vulnerable Women: Addressing the Crisis of Sexual Assault with Tanya Hicks

Support and Help Lines

- 1800RESPECT: A national sexual assault, domestic, and family violence counselling service. Confidential and available 24/7. Call: 1800 737 732. Visit the Website

- In Immediate Danger: Call: Triple Zero (000)

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Key Topics covered in this ep: Narcissistic relationships Neurodivergent women and narcissists Love bombing Signs of narcissistic abuse Emotional manipulation Gaslighting tactics Narcissistic abuse recovery Childhood narcissistic abuse Co-parenting with a narcissist Breaking toxic relationship cycles Narcissist red flags Reclaiming self-worth Empathy and people-pleasing Trauma-informed relationships Safe exit plans for abuse Narcissistic partners and healing Identifying narcissistic traits Building a support network Healing from manipulation Emotional hot potato