In this article, we will talk about dating someone who was abused by a narcissist. The phrase “narcissistic abuse” has recently become popular. And with good cause.

With around 1-5% of persons suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), chances are you may encounter a narcissist or someone who has been a victim of narcissism at some time in your dating life.

Following narcissistic abuse, you may have intense dread or anxiety in new relationships. When people leave abusive relationships, they can have separation anxiety. Which causes them to feel terrified and disoriented when they are not with their abusers.

If you’re dating someone who was abused by a narcissist, you should be aware that their conduct influences their own experiences. For example, they may try to find out how their family members are doing and then duplicate their victims’ circumstances. If the narcissist’s family is tense, they may try to trick their victim into becoming a member of the family.

While only a mental health professional can diagnose narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), if you find the person you’ve begun dating has narcissistic characteristics, you should proceed with care. Dating someone with narcissistic characteristics can be difficult, and you may need to change your expectations about what a relationship looks like.

What Is Narcissistic Abuse?

Manipulation, threats, intimidation, and other strategies to dominate another person come under the definition of narcissistic abuse. This sort of abuse can occur in any type of relationship, including intimate relationships between two people who are dating, married, engaged, or living together. 

Narcissistic abuse is a type of emotional abuse in which the abuser is primarily preoccupied with themselves and may use words and actions to manipulate their partner’s behavior and emotional state. The consequences of narcissistic abuse might vary depending on how long a person can tolerate these sorts of relationships. The effects range from moderate to severe, with some survivors recovering and others suffering lifetime consequences.

Dating After Narcissistic Abuse

Here are some things to consider while dating after a narcissistic abuse relationship.

• Allow yourself time to recuperate.
• You will have difficulty trusting. 
• You may project your prior experiences.
• There may be ebbs and flows of rage.
• You will be capable of loving again.
• Keep truth and imagination distinct.
• Remember and recognize the red flags.

Intimacy After Narcissistic Abuse

Many people’s sexual encounters have not been overwhelmingly good, loving, or emotional. To be honest, they are too weak to be around anyone else. After narcissistic abuse, they are not at all trustworthy. They considered having a friend with benefits without committing to anyone, but they simply cannot open themselves up to trusting anyone. They are afraid to trust someone to participate in the stage closeness.

Typical Behaviors Of Narcissistic Abuse Survivors 

Survivors frequently engage in a variety of activities that might be detrimental to their mental and physical health. Many survivors utilize these practices to cope with the pain of the abuse.

• Self-harm: This can take the shape of cutting, burning, or any other type of self-injury. Self-harm is frequently used to relieve the survivor’s anguish, both physically and mentally.
• Substance abuse: Survivors may turn to drugs or alcohol to dull the agony or to escape reality. Addiction and other major health issues might result from these high-risk habits. If you are dating someone who was abused by a narcissist, you must be aware of these tendencies and be supportive.
• Reacting and lashing out: They may struggle to regulate their emotions. They may react angrily or become extremely defensive. It is frequently the outcome of repeated gaslighting and manipulation.
• Suicidal ideation: They are suicidal after narcissistic abuse. Suicidal thoughts or attempts can result from the trauma. Abuse may cause emotions of powerlessness, worthlessness, and despair, all of which can be extremely difficult to overcome.

What Is the Abusive Narcissistic Codependent Relationship?

In a narcissistic relationship, a codependent is someone who stays with the narcissist. Despite the abuse, they are subjected to. They disregard their well-being to save their abuser. A codependent’s self-esteem derives from the sense of grandeur gained through suffering abuse.

Our society is already the greatest enabler of narcissistic abuse, so focusing just on the relationship between codependency and narcissistic abuse would simply add to the mountain of apparently insurmountable obstacles that victims of narcissistic abuse must fight on their healing journey.

Dating Someone who was abused by Narcissistic Abuse

It is difficult to love an abused victim. You will confront several hurdles and must be patient and understanding. It is, nonetheless, possible to have a healthy, successful relationship with someone who has experienced this form of abuse.

From tolerance and compassion to setting boundaries, these are the most important things to know while dating someone who was abused by a narcissist:

• Your partner can be fiercely competitive.
• They will have difficulty trusting your intentions 
• They will most likely have low self-esteem.
• You must remind them that they are in a safe environment.
• They might not know how to establish boundaries.
• You may notice your partner has people-pleasing tendencies.

It is critical to be patient and empathetic while the victim works through these concerns. Respect their limits and give them space when they need it.

Don’t attempt to fix them or tell them what to do; simply be a supportive friend or partner. If you can accomplish this, you will be a huge assistance to them on their road to recovery.

The Ending Note

You may have had PTSD while dating someone who was abused by a narcissist. What can you do to safeguard yourself from narcissistic abuse?

Write down and read over all of the horrible things your narcissist did to you. Then consider why you put up with such heinous treatment. Leaving is the greatest approach to prevent being a victim of narcissism. The narcissist may try to use the victim’s lack of comprehension, and your annoyance may distort your judgment and advice. You are not, thankfully, alone.

It is never easy to date someone who has been a victim of a narcissist. Another effective strategy to begin healing after a narcissistic relationship is to manage expectations. If you want to get back together, you must stay impartial and keep your distance from the narcissist. Your narcissist will try to get you back into a relationship as soon as you have the opportunity to walk away from them.