How to Get Out of a Relationship With a Narcissist
If you are in a relationship with a narcissist, you may be feeling overwhelmed, powerless, and unable to break free. Narcissists are notorious for their emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and controlling behavior, which can make it difficult to calibrate your own emotions properly and make the best decision for yourself.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to end a relationship with a narcissist and start taking back control of your life.
Steps to Break Free From a Narcissist
No two relationships are the same, but these tips should help you decide how to best get out of a relationship with a narcissist:
1. Acknowledge the Problem: Recognizing that you are in a toxic relationship is the first step to getting out. Acknowledge the signs of narcissism, such as double standards, emotional manipulation, and controlling behavior. This doesn’t mean you have to confront your partner about them, yet; your safety is paramount.
2. Plan Your Exit: Leaving a narcissistic relationship can be dangerous, so it's important to have a safety plan in place. This may include finding a safe place to stay, taking care of work/life priorities, and involving the authorities if necessary.
3. Set Boundaries: Setting boundaries around communication and interactions with your partner is essential - whether your partner is a narcissist or not. It can be difficult when you’ve been subjected to emotional abuse, but you need to be clear and firm about what you will and will not tolerate.
4. Seek Support: Reaching out for help from people you can trust is key. Narcissistic relationships can be isolating, so it's important to reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for support. No matter who it is, make sure they make you feel comfortable about the decision you’re making and the pathway to it.
5. Build a Support Network: Find people who can support and encourage you as you transition out of the relationship. Look for supportive friends, family members, or online communities who will not feed into narcissistic delusions.
6. Cut Off Contact: When dealing with narcissists, setting up a no-contact rule is essential to breaking free. This means don’t respond to any texts or calls and blocking them on social media. This is not a normal breakup; you don’t want to stay friends.
7. Stay Strong: It can be difficult to resist the temptation to respond to a narcissist’s manipulation. Remember to stay strong and focus on your goal of getting out of the relationship.
8. Take Care of Yourself: Narcissistic relationships can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. Practice self-care by engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, hobbies, and spending time with supportive friends and family.
9. Forgive Yourself: Lastly, don’t forget to forgive yourself for being in the relationship. It is not your fault that you were taken advantage of, and you deserve to be compassionate to yourself.
Get Relationship Advice for Any Situation
Remember, leaving a narcissistic relationship is a process that takes time and effort. It's important to prioritize your safety and well-being, and seek the support you need to heal and move forward.
Dating coaches and matchmakers don’t solely exist to work on the positive elements of relationships. At Date Smarter, we make it our goal to do the work through all phases of love life. If you are looking to work on yourself so that your next relationship has the best chance to succeed, we’re here to help.
