Have you been wondering why a certain person in your life –a significant other, a parent, a friend, or a colleague– is abusive behind closed doors but shows a charming façade in public? Do you find it hard to say “no”? Do you feel exhausted, confused, afraid that something might trigger another violent episode? Do you feel unable to leave a relationship that you know is toxic to you?
This guidebook and self-help book is written to help victims of psychological abuse understand the dynamics of abusive relationships with individuals suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder and other toxic types. Through example scenarios and personal experiences, the author illustrates the typical behavioral patterns observed in psychologically abusive relationships, the early warning signs, and tips for breaking these dangerous ties. More specifically, the reader will learn about:
- The dangers of emotional abuse and why it should never be underestimated;
- The different phases of the abuse cycle;
- The most common manipulation tactics used by abusive personalities;
- The role of intuition and how to recognize when a certain person or situation is not right for you;
- The red flags of unhealthy relationships and the warning signs that can be detected during the early stages of dating;
- Tips for setting and maintaining boundaries;
- How to avoid the trap of reacting in a toxic way to toxic behavior;
- The main processes that take place in the brain when we are in abusive relationships and why they may work against us;
- Tips for breaking the “addiction” to an unhealthy relationship.
This book is part of a series, The Empowerment Guide, which aims to raise awareness on psychological abuse and provides educational resources to individuals trapped in unhealthy relationships so that they are better prepared to deal with them and take the next steps.