5 Signs You're Not a Narcissist: Understanding Survival Behaviours
Episode Overview
Hoovering is a desperate attempt for connection, not narcissism. Reactive abuse is a human response to extreme stress. Going no contact is self-protection, not silent treatment. Speaking your truth is necessary for healing, not a smear campaign. Seeking support outside the relationship is a lifeline, not betrayal.
You seek love and connection, not control. That's the difference.
Ever found yourself questioning if you might be a narcissist after enduring a toxic relationship? Danish Bashir, a Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Professional, dives deep into this complex issue in this episode. Danish unpacks five common behaviours that might make you think you're a narcissist, but in reality, they are just survival mechanisms. The first behaviour he addresses is 'hoovering'. When you're trauma-bonded to a narcissist, you might find yourself obsessively checking their social media or sending heartfelt messages.
This isn't narcissistic; it's a desperate attempt to regain some sense of normalcy and connection. Next, Danish talks about reactive abuse, where you might yell or scream in response to relentless provocation. This reaction is perfectly human and doesn't make you a narcissist. Silent treatment is another point of confusion. While narcissists use it to punish, going no contact is a self-protective measure for survivors.
Speaking your truth about the abuse can feel like running a smear campaign, but it's a necessary step for healing. Lastly, seeking emotional support outside the toxic relationship might seem like betrayal, but it's often a lifeline. Danish's compassionate explanations help you understand that these behaviours are rooted in pain and survival, not narcissism. Tune in to learn how to differentiate between survival tactics and narcissistic traits, and find some much-needed peace of mind.