6. Having an exit strategy.
Having that exit strategy for any unhealthy or manipulative interactions you have with the narcissist. You do not need permission to leave or demand that they leave. If they refuse, call the police and let them know that you mean business. Anytime you know you are walking into the Lion’s Den with one of these people, think about and prepare an exit strategy when and if things start to go downhill. You do not have to stay present or witness all of their abuse and manipulation tactics. So always have an exit strategy. That’s a very good idea. The more you plan, the better and safer you will be.
Recommended: Healing from Hidden Abuse: A Journey Through the Stages of Recovery from Psychological Abuse.
In closing…
This is not going to be easy. You can expect the Narc to rebel, to refuse, to manipulate, to use any and all manipulation tactics they have up their sleeves to get you back under their control. This is usually incredibly uncomfortable for highly and pathetic people. And because we have been fooled by these tactics for years and years, it will be instinctual for us to fall back into believing that our boundaries are unreasonable and we’re being unfair. The pushback from the narcissist will usually cause a huge wave of cognitive dissonance.
So you have to fight through those episodes. Stay grounded in the reality that you know is true. Realize that if you do not do this now, it won’t be any easier to do it next month or next year. You will get through this if you stay strong. Giving in will only allow the narcissist to manipulate and abuse you far longer, and probably even worse than before because they want to make sure something like this never happens again.
You have a right to any boundaries you see fit for your life. And you don’t owe anyone an explanation. Your duty and obligation are to yourself, and your life, making yourself happy, and keeping yourself safe, and that is what boundaries do.
The narcissist doesn’t have to agree with you. Doesn’t have to enjoy these new boundaries, but they do have to respect and abide by them, The choice is theirs. If they want to be a part of your life, they’re going to rise to the occasion. Remember, the only person that has a problem with your boundaries is someone who personally is benefitting from you having none.
Read More: Establishing Boundaries with A Narcissist, What You Need To Know.
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