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But they have to see the consequences worsen; there needs to be a gradual worsening of their punishment, so they can see that they are slowly losing you from their behavior.Narcissistic abuse is one of the worse types of psychological abuse that one person can do to another, but unfortunately, many people are stuck in these types of relationships. However, some people do not take this warning too seriously, because of its emotional basis. What many fail to realize is that emotional and psychological distress is only one side of the coin that victims of long-term narcissistic abuse experience. The amygdala is known as the reptilian brain, because it controls our primal emotions and functions, including lust, fear, hate, as well as heart rate and breathing.

But the first step is ultimately the most important one: getting out of the destructive and abusive relationship. Before any progress can be made towards recovery, the victim must acknowledge the situation and accept his or her reality.A few months ago, I reached out to Relationship Hero when I was going through a tough patch in my relationship. After being lost in my thoughts for so long, they gave me a unique insight into the dynamics of my relationship and how to get it back on track. But there is always a way back to a normal functioning brain. Through certain methods like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, or EMDR, victims exhibiting signs of PTSD can regrow 6% of their hippocampus in just a few sessions. And finally, it’s important to know when it’s time to quit. You are a person, and your narcissist partner will do everything to convince you that you are not. “The key to setting boundaries with a narcissist is to stick to them. You will want to communicate clearly and directly each time. If you make a mistake and find that you “lose it” or say something wrong, just keep practicing and be accountable for your behavior.” One of the most important functions the hippocampus is responsible for is our short-term memory, which is the first step to learning. Information is first stored in short-term memory before it can be converted to permanent memory.

According to Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT, you need to fight against their power and assert your own area and needs. Use verbal put-downs that demand respect and push your mind to the forefront, such as:

Long after the victim has escaped the destructive relationship, they will continue to live with PTSD symptoms, increased phobias, and panic attacks, due to an enlarged amygdala that has become used to living in a state of fear. To protect themselves from their reality, these victims often use reality-bending defense mechanisms that make it easier to cope, such as:

This is why anyone in a destructive relationship with a partner who cares little for the emotional well-being of their family should leave immediately, especially when children are involved.

Before we tackle the 7 ways to deal with narcissistic abuse, it’s crucial that we understand the wrong ways in which we think we’re handling it, but actually enabling the behavior.

If you haven’t heard of Relationship Hero before, it’s a site where highly trained relationship coaches help people through complicated and difficult love situations. The hippocampus is crucial in learning and developing memories, while the amygdala is where negative emotions like shame, guilt, fear, and envy come to life. The hippocampus is perhaps the most crucial part of the brain when it comes to knowledge and function. Everything we do, understand, read, and learn, rests solely on the hippocampus functioning properly.

According to Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT in Psychology Today, you might be able to educate them; teach them the way you would teach a child, by being direct and explaining the consequences of their behavior.There is also a physical aspect of brain damage involved—when suffering consistent emotional abuse, victims experience a shrinking of the hippocampus and a swelling of the amygdala; both of these circumstances lead to devastating effects.

Get support, seek therapy, and figure out how to move forward with your life without your current partner involved. You don’t need to stick it out with him or her; it’s your life, and they don’t own it.

Threats: When pushed too far, we might threaten our abusive partner. This can backfire easily—if you don’t push through with the threat, you lose all your power.

Blaming Yourself: When fighting with a narcissist, we tend to blame ourselves due to their cunning manipulation. We end up trying harder and pushing ourselves more, simply because we believe that we are the cause for all the fighting.

Just make sure it’s not an idle threat. Talk about consequences only if you’re ready to carry them out as stated. Otherwise, they won’t believe you the next time.”“Why would the consequences matter to them? Because someone with a narcissistic personality typically starts to pay attention when things start affecting them personally.

Denial: We deny and excuse the abusive behavior of our partner out of love or loyalty. If you continue to enable their behavior and show them that you will keep their abuse a secret, this will only strengthen their resolve.Projection: Victims convince themselves that their narcissist abuser has positive traits and intentions such as compassion and understanding, when in reality this may not be the case

But the hippocampus is damaged when the body releases cortisol, the hormone released during times of stress. Cortisol effectively attacks neurons in the hippocampus, causing it to shrink.And damage to the hippocampus is a lot more disturbing than scientists initially thought. In a study from Stanford University and the University of New Orleans, they found that there was a strict correlation between high levels of cortisol (a hormone caused by stress) and decreased volume in the hippocampus.Hippocampus is the Greek word for “seahorse”, and it is the part of the brain that Is hidden inside each temporal lobe, shaped distinctly like two seahorses.

When triggered, the amygdala is where the fight or flight response is made. Narcissists keep their victims in a state where their amygdala is constantly on alert.

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.According to Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT this doesn’t mean to fight and argue, but “it means standing your ground and speaking up for yourself clearly and calmly, and having boundaries to protect your mind, emotions, and body.”

[Not only does Buddhism provide a spiritual outlet for many people, it can also improve the quality of our personal relationships. Check out my new no-nonsense guide to using Buddhism for a better life here].

This is because narcissists understand the art of manipulation more than most, and can convince even the most abused partners that the fault of every fight is on their hands.But remember: extended durations of average stress can be just as damaging if not worse than short-term extreme stress. Even if a narcissistic abuser never takes it “too far”, it could definitely still be causing destruction to the victim’s brain.

Once you exchange vows and the ceremony is complete, it’s time for the newlywed couple to leave. This event is called the wedding recessional. It’s designed to send the bride and groom off. It also helps the attendees leave in an orderly fashion. Traditionally, the wedding recessional features a song. You’ve probably heard “Wedding March”…In this 90s pop tune, the narcissist is the song’s main character. He muses on about how he is simply too sexy for everyone and everything around him. This guy is too sexy for his clothing, car, and all the world’s major cities.Narcissists have such high opinions of themselves, and it is impossible to convince them otherwise. They tend to think they are too important or good-looking to associate with anyone or anything they consider lesser. If you meet someone who embodies this song, it’s time to run in the opposite direction.Spears tells us narcissistic guys should come with a warning; they are so dangerous and alluring. In the end, Spears falls and becomes addicted to this utterly toxic, narcissistic man, despite trying to get away. Like Spears, many of us find it incredibly difficult to get away from the narcissists in our lives.Narcissists are the worst. Between their constant arrogance, lack of empathy, and tendency to gaslight those around them, narcissists make life difficult for everyone around them.

As a result of his fame, he rejects his babe and finds himself too cool to be around them. Narcissists would rather enjoy the spotlight than genuine love and care. Is it any wonder that the narcissist in this song ends up finding his fame hollow and chilly?

Like narcissists in real life, this song’s protagonist finds it difficult to leave his aloof and conceited partner. When she promises him everything, he believes despite knowing better from her behavior. If you have ever dealt with a narcissist’s empty promises and callous nature, this song might resonate with you.Lead singer James Hetfield sings about how this person thinks they are so much better than him, even though they are steeped in lies, gossip, and back-stabbing. Hetfield warns them that if they judge others, they will receive the same judgment, a warning any true narcissist would do well to heed.

No one can tell West anything he thinks so much of himself. He pretends not to hear his detractors in this song, deafened by his narcissism and arrogance. In the end, West concludes he has got it made, reveling in his riches and acclaim.

Want a challenge? Below we’ve compiled some of the hardest songs for females to sing! Some of these songs are from movies or musicals, but others are standalone singles or album releases. Check them out, and see if you want to give these difficult songs a go.There is nothing a narcissist loves more than attention, and Lady Gaga knows it when she sings about the allure of having an audience in this catchy dance-pop tune. In “Applause,” Gaga sings about mainlining attention like a drug, reveling in the cheers and screams she hears from her audience.

Named one of the best modern rock bands ever, Metallica delivers on this high-charged metal tune about a judgmental narcissist. The antagonist in this song is arrogant and ignorant, passing judgment on everyone but themselves. The narcissist in Gaga’s song has no shame about welcoming, even begging for accolades and attention. She lives for nothing more than a spotlight, fame, and most of all, lots of applause. If you’ve got a narcissist in your life, you may be looking for some validation. Believe it or not, many musicians have written songs about narcissists. Check out this list of songs about narcissists and see if there are any to which you can relate. The indie genre started as music made by independent artists, but the term has become a catch-all for music made outside of mainstream aesthetics. Indie music has spanned generations and genres. However you like your indie music, read our list of the best indie songs to discover forward-thinking artists. Looking for the best Karaoke songs to sing for beginners? Well you’re in the right place! Practically every artist wants to learn a song or two by their favorite band or singer. Disappointingly, some of these songs are incredibly hard to emulate and if you don’t do them justice on stage, you could end up…Minaj’s narcissist in “Bed of Lies” takes advantage of her fame and fortune to make a place for himself, then proceeds to lie and deceive like a true, heartless player. Despite all her success, he does not see her or pay attention to her needs or pain. He thinks only of himself, like the true narcissist he is.Narcissists are notorious for gaslighting the ones they love. Gaslighting includes things like minimizing, denying, and blaming someone else for bad behavior. The man about which The Chicks sing in this song is a classic example of this approach to life and relationships.Yet, neither one can quit the relationship. They seem caught in a toxic cycle of narcissism and violence. Relationships between narcissists never end well, and the story in this song is no exception. If you find yourself in a relationship that looks like this, it is best to get away as quickly as possible.

When Simon sings about this narcissist’s absolute vanity, those who have dealt with narcissists can completely relate. After all, don’t narcissists always think everything is about them, even when it’s not?

The narcissist in this song thinks they are better than Swift, pushing her around and humiliating her by bringing up her flaws. Swift is ready to fight back though, telling her bully that someday, she knows she will make it big. If you have ever wanted to show up a narcissist for insulting and bullying you, this tune from T. Swift may be just the anthem you need.

If you struggle with narcissistic behavior from someone in your life, crank up these tunes for a healthy dose of validation. As the artists on this list have shown us, narcissists are everywhere; you are not alone.

The protagonist of this classic Stones tune is pretty reprehensible in his narcissism and control. He tells his partner what to wear, doesn’t allow her to speak unless he speaks to her first, and treats her like a pet. He keeps her under his rule, while he is allowed to do and say as he pleases.

This smash hit from James Brown paints the picture of a man who thinks he is too cool for school. In Super Bad (Parts 1, 2, & 3), Brown is so bad he does not need anyone around him. He sings about wanting to kiss himself, he is just so in love with his image and fame.While we may all want to see ourselves as the kind of people who enjoy self-assuredness and self-worth, there is a line you can cross between confidence and narcissism. The protagonist in Brown’s song has crossed that line, alienating those around him even as he enjoys the self-possessed feelings narcissism can bring.

This heartbreaking ballad from Kelly Clarkson tells the tale of someone who has been deeply wounded and debilitated by the hurtful behavior of a narcissist. She sings about how the narcissist in her life never thinks of anyone but themselves and their own pain. Meanwhile, Clarkson is in so much pain she cries herself to sleep every night. Named one of 2022’s richest rappers in the world, is it any wonder Kanye West has gotten such a big head about himself and his money? In “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” West raps about how awesome he is because of all he has earned. He shows off, buying jewelry, champagne, and designer clothes. The ultimate song about narcissists, Carly Simon’s classic “You’re So Vain,” tells the tale of a woman grappling with a lover’s arrogant and vain behavior. From the opening where the narcissist enters a casual party dressed to the nines to the ending where he dumps Simon to jet-set and fool around with his friend’s wife, this guy is a narcissist through and through.

Whether the narcissist is the protagonist of the song or someone the artist despises, the musicians on this list have a lot to say about narcissism. In their arrogance and self-absorption, narcissists cause incredible amounts of pain and betrayal.Unashamed of his narcissism, lead singer Mick Jagger sings about how good it feels to dominate and demean the woman in his life. Narcissists always enjoy their behavior, paying no mind to how hurtful it can be to those around them. Everyone is to blame for Baby Queen’s narcissism but herself. She eschews any responsibility, proudly owning the moniker of a narcissist for anyone who wants to hear her sing. She finds herself devoid of caring and empathy for others, wrapped up entirely in her vanity. He lies, cheats, and condescends, justifying his behavior every step of the way. The Chicks are not to be fooled though. They see this “Gaslighter” for what he is, a pathetic little boy trying to cover his tracks. Like The Chicks, if you’ve got a narcissist in your life, it would probably feel great to call them out and expose them for their conceit and deception.He elevates himself to the point that he shows no weakness, opting instead to insult and hurt his partner. True to form, this Apple song is heavy and dark, dealing with themes of betrayal, substance abuse, and sexual assault.This song about a man grappling with the spotlight gives us a glimpse into the kind of attention from which narcissism grows. The protagonist in this song enjoys the fame that affords him attention, fancy limo rides, and the ability to take over everything.As a result of this self-centered behavior, Clarkson sings about experiencing fear, loneliness, and a lack of trust. Narcissists can traumatize so completely. It is only by recognizing the impact of their behavior that we can start to heal.Narcissists can be such bullies, using their self-centeredness to hurt and abuse those around them. It is precisely that kind of narcissistic bully Taylor Swift sings about in this catchy new-country song. Swift’s bully uses her words to cut, wound, and bring her victim down.

Like a true narcissist, Baby Queen loves to brag, even bragging about how much of a narcissist she is. In this song, the artist’s narcissism is rooted in a history of criticism and low self-esteem. She responds by embracing her narcissism, singing about how highly she values herself, her looks, and her fame.1951 witnessed the ratification of the 22nd Amendment, the birth of the coast-to-coast telephone service, and the Treaty of San Francisco. In the music industry, popular music started replacing swing and big band songs in the charts. Below you will find some of the best songs from 1951; enjoy!

This song about an arrogant, hurtful, and self-centered lover was said to be inspired by different men that Carly Simon encountered in her life. One of the primary muses was Warren Beatty. Mick Jagger provided backup vocals, but isn’t credited on the song; Harry Nilsson was originally supposed to sing on the track.Taylor Swift wrote this piece about a young woman who finds excitement in dramatic, painful relationships as a sarcastic response to her detractors, many of whom claimed she was a serial dater that looked to break men’s hearts. It also tackles the subject of young men who look for drama in relationships rather than security and love.

This track is seen from the narcissist’s point of view, as he wonders if people take him seriously and considers changing his act so he is seen as the person he wants to be. The pop song has EDM influences for an undeniable The Chainsmokers sound.

This is one of several unique songs told from the perspective of a narcissist. The guy in question preys on women by lying to and eventually hurting them, spurred on by his own anger issues. The verses are in spoken word while the chorus is explosively emotional, showing the narrator’s multiple sides and wild feelings.This track finds Amy Winehouse dealing with the aftermath of someone she loves going back to another woman by partaking in destructive habits. It’s inspired by her breakup with Blake Fielder-Civil, who Winehouse eventually married in 2007. The bad habits she picked back up are the going “back to black” referred to in the title and in the song’s lyrics.

Lesley Gore was one of the first singers to tackle female independence in romantic relationships with this classic hit. It was one of the first pieces of media to inspire the Women’s Liberation Movement a decade later. It was also Gore’s last Top Ten hit.Tom Petty warns a narcissist not to come near him again in this track. He was inspired by Stevie Nicks’ seemingly emotional breakup with Joe Walsh the day before she and Petty met. Her visibly vulnerable and shaken demeanor inspired the lyrics. Alicia Keys sings as a protagonist who is starting fresh and meeting her goals while defying those who would discourage her. She celebrates self-empowerment and finding one’s true self in the track, which is largely autobiographical. It’s co-written with Emilie Sandé and has an accompanying video that highlights Keys’ road to personal growth. Christina Perri talks directly to a heartbreaker collecting broken hearts in this track. It refers to a real-life breakup that Perri endured and has been highly relatable to many listeners since its release. ‘Jar of Hearts’ was Perri’s breakthrough hit after being featured on the television competition series So You Think You Can Dance.Co-writer John Whitehead has said that ‘Back Stabbers’ was inspired by interpersonal issues he was experiencing with his family and friends at the time it was written. This track was the first United States Top 40 hit for The O’Jays. The album it appeared on had the same name and was also a hit record.

The country song describes a lover who blames relational troubles on the singer without taking responsibility for themselves, even taking pleasure in the negative emotions caused.With a chorus that fits perfectly with the music video scenes of destroying an ex-boyfriend’s house, Since U Been Gone is a boisterous farewell to a narcissistic former lover!

The song “Gaslight,” recorded by American singer and rapper Claudia Alexandra Madriz Meza, or “Snow Tha Product,” is another great way to vent emotions after experiencing a negative relationship with a narcissist.

The kind of boyfriends hypothetically depicted in the lyrics of Therapist, where a woman declares she should not need to be her partner’s therapist, is definitely narcissistic!

The song can be cathartic if you’ve experienced something similar, but can also be an anthem for those ready to let go of bad relationships! Not to mention a catchy electric guitar beat!

Cody Carson explained that he has had friends who hide behind “facades”, particularly in the music industry. The song berates the kind of person who is initially kind, only to stab others in the back narcissistically.

The song is written and sung from the point of view of an angry man who is willing to take out his frustration in the form of narcissism and lies toward women. The lyrics not only accuse the singer’s lover of being cruel but also highlight the singer’s desperation for attention, leaving you wondering whether both sides of the relationship have some narcissism to deal with. Indie Panda is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Indie Panda also participates in affiliate programs with other sites. Indie Panda is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.Another Taylor Swift favourite, Trouble’s lyrics begin with berating herself for getting mixed up with someone who is narcissistic, but by the time the song ends, the singer seems to realize that their ex was incapable of loving anyone at all.

A gaslighter can be described as someone who manipulates certain moments in life to make another person doubt what really happened and therefore doubt themselves.

Avery Anna’s song Narcissist certainly deserves a spot on this list, not only for its topical lyrical content but for the expression of the artist’s experience with narcissists.The guitarist of The Cranberries, Neal Hogan, wrote the music for this song but had no lyrics to accompany it until Dolores O’Riordan decided to put her first breakup’s associated emotions down in writing.The song “The Other Girl” sees the collaboration between Kelsea Ballerini and popular rocker Halsey as each professional sings from the perspective of a girl who finds her narcissistic boyfriend is cheating on her.

Though Mary J. Blige has admitted to being able to relate to the song No More Drama, it was written by producers Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam to emphasize the natural struggles and pain that people can put one another through in a lifetime. The song “There You Go” is one of Alecia Moore, or “P!nk”’s, earliest songs from her 2000 album, Can’t Take Me Home. At the time, the artist described the song as a “vent” for her after a failed relationship. Speaking of great retorts when it comes to dealing with narcissists, TLC’s “No Scrubs” is directed at people who are self-obsessed enough to treat women rudely even if they have nothing going for them in life.The band has confessed that the song is a way to vent frustration with harsh critics. The frontwoman of the band, Hayley Williams, has also revealed that this song was a vent for the relationship she had with former bandmate, Josh Farro.

The song is upbeat and a great dance number, although the lyrics deal with a more troubling scenario. In the song, a girl is totally devoted to her man, though he is self-obsessed and unworthy. Adele explained in an interview with MTV records that this song was part of recovery from her first real relationship, where an older, distinguished, possibly narcissistic boyfriend had introduced the singer to new experiences but ultimately left her heartbroken. Katharine McPhee, a former American Idol contestant, used this song on her debut album, and it is not only popular with modern audiences but with other artists such as Billie Eilish! The song was inspired by a failed relationship of McPhee’s.If you’ve known someone who’s experienced moments of narcissism, or if you can relate to the feeling of wanting to be admired, a song may be just the thing to help you express those feelings!

It is a song highlighting the abuse that some women may go through in romantic relationships, desperate to appear high-quality girlfriends but sacrificing their standards to do so.Encountering or dealing with narcissism can be a troubling experience that leaves you with more lingering emotions than you would sometimes care to struggle through.