Are you the child of a narcissistic parent?
Nowadays, more and more people are beginning to understand the characteristics of a narcissist; that is, someone suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is someone who has an inflated sense of self-importance and lacks empathy. Children who are raised by narcissists are manipulated, abused, and criticized. They are constantly reminded that they cannot live up to the unrealistically high standards of their narcissistic parents. In turn, this kind of parenting can cause serious long-term effects on the mental and emotional wellbeing of the child.
If you have been raised by a narcissist, you will relate to these 6 things.
1. You have low self-esteem
Narcissists constantly tear down the people around them by pointing out their flaws and weaknesses. Constantly criticizing others makes them feel as though they are superior. Unsurprisingly, having a parent incessantly remind you of your shortcomings and weaknesses can be detrimental to your confidence and self-esteem.
2. You find yourself in abusive relationships
You have become used to narcissistic abuse and toxic behavior. What is worse, you do not realize that it is wrong and you believe that poor treatment is normal. It is only once you grow older and observe the relationships of other people that you begin to understand that you have been abused. Until this realization hits you, you will continue finding yourself in abusive romantic relationships.
3. You know how to read people
When you were growing up, you had to be cautious and you learned how to read your parents. You did this to protect yourself and know when to keep quiet or go to your room. As an adult, you find that you know how to read people and tell when they are angry.
4. You do not know how to resolve issues
Your parents did not teach you how to solve issues in relationships. They have used manipulation tactics, silent treatment, and other forms of abusive behavior when presented with an argument. As a result, you do not know how to resolve conflict in a healthy way. In your adult life, you are faced with the fact that you need to teach yourself how to communicate and compromise.
5. You value honesty and integrity
Having experienced deceit, manipulation, and abuse, you value honesty and integrity. You are a sincere and kind-hearted person who shows compassion and empathy at all times. Moreover, you have vowed that you will teach your children the importance of being kind and honest.
Being aware of how the way you were raised impacts you can help you stop blaming yourself. Furthermore, it can help you overcome the thoughts and feelings which tell you that there is something ‘wrong’ with you. Eventually, you will come to terms with your past and work towards a better future.
