“The truth hurts,” they say. Instead of accepting reality, people tend to apply avoidance strategies—hoping that doing so will magically erase roadblocks in the long run. When you navigate the world using a fragile ego as a compass, the truth doesn’t set you free; it propels you into a state of fury or even leaves you trapped in an abyss of endless, internal agony. For some, acknowledging the … [Read more...] about The Victim Façade (Continued): The Narcissist, Gaslighting, the Gaslightee, and DARVO
The Victim Façade: Exposing the Wounded Narcissist who Confronts ‘Extreme Narcissism’
Narc: “Mirror, mirror, on the wall.” Narc: “Who’s the most victimized of them all?” Narc: “Pick me!” Narcissistic folks tend to be the type of people who throw stones at glass homes, terrifying and traumatizing occupants—only to eventually duck or run and later fabricate a massively tall tale, claiming that they were chased and hunted by a vicious mob of glass home owners. Narcissistic folks … [Read more...] about The Victim Façade: Exposing the Wounded Narcissist who Confronts ‘Extreme Narcissism’
Navigating Imposter Syndrome, Repelling Expert Syndrome, Embracing Humanity, and Achieving Humility
Calling all folks battling bouts of persistent imposter syndrome: We see you for exactly who you are: human beings. We accept your humanity and hope that you’ll do the same. Imposter syndrome. Many of us have likely heard about it in passing or become too familiar with what it entails—a swarm of symptoms that gnaw away at one’s conviction and self-efficacy, transforming them into … [Read more...] about Navigating Imposter Syndrome, Repelling Expert Syndrome, Embracing Humanity, and Achieving Humility
Exploring the Connection between Sexual Abuse Rape Culture and (Mass) Grooming
Dear cancel culture, Cancel rape culture, already. Nowadays, cancel culture mainly intimidates public figures—leaving them deathly afraid of the demise of their careers, as well as willing to think twice about the words that they utter or have expressed about others in the past. Cancel culture likely knows that it’s beyond time for larger society to eradicate the toxic attitudes and traditions … [Read more...] about Exploring the Connection between Sexual Abuse Rape Culture and (Mass) Grooming
Pelvic Pain and Emotional Scarring: Navigating Medical Trauma and Medical Gaslighting in Women’s Reproductive Health Care
Q: Is there more to poor bedside manner? A: Without a doubt. Q(s): Is your pain real? Is the suffering abnormal? Are your concerns valid? A(s): Yes. Absolutely. Of course. These inquiries shouldn’t even be up for discussion. Unfortunately, however, pelvic pain survivors who are denied the compassionate, comprehensive care that they deserve may dwell on the second set of posed … [Read more...] about Pelvic Pain and Emotional Scarring: Navigating Medical Trauma and Medical Gaslighting in Women’s Reproductive Health Care
Attention-seeking Behaviors: Discovering the Narcissist’s Fixation with Admiration and Validation
Below is a brief dialogue between two individuals, a narcissist and the target. These people could represent romantic partners, friends, or even family members in a parent-child relationship, for example. PERSON 1/NARC (enters the living room, clears their throat, and coughs) You love me, right? What would you do if I weren’t here? PERSON 2/TARGET (looks up from their book and grins) Of course … [Read more...] about Attention-seeking Behaviors: Discovering the Narcissist’s Fixation with Admiration and Validation