Navigating the challenges of narcissistic abuse can be incredibly difficult and draining. Fortunately, a wide variety of quotes about toxic narcissism have been shared by many people who have gone through such horrendous experiences and lived to tell the tale. These 11 toxic narcissist quotes serve as an encouraging reminder that it is indeed possible to overcome this adversity and reclaim your personal power.
Here are 11 powerful quotes about the toxic narcissist to help remind you that you are not alone in this journey.
Toxic Narcissist Quotes – The Narcissistic Abuse Cycle
“Relationship with a narcissist in a nutshell: You will go from being the perfect love of their life to nothing you do is ever good enough. You will give everything and they will take it all and give you less and less in return. You will end up depleted, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and probably financially, and then get blamed for it.”
Bree Bonchay
Bree Bonchay describes the narcissistic abuse cycle in a succinct, and very accurate, manner. Narcissistic abusers often give their victims false promises of love and affection in the beginning stages of a relationship, only to slowly but surely replace them with criticism, manipulation and control.
“The most confusing thing about a narcissist is that they really don’t understand why you’re leaving. They will make promises, give gifts and do whatever it takes to keep their victim from walking away, even though that was the initial plan all along.”
Shannon L. Alder
Alder describes how a narcissist will behave in the face of losing their victim. This quote highlights how difficult it can be to break free from an abusive relationship, as the abuser is often unwilling to let go and may try to lure you back in with promises of change or gifts. Whenever their victim tries to break free, the narcissist will resort to hoovering and love bombing in order to manipulate them into staying.
“Narcissistic love is riding on the rollercoaster of disaster filled with a heart full of tears.”
Sheree Griffin
Sheree Griffin’s words accurately depict the emotionally draining experience of being in a relationship with someone who has narcissistic personality disorder. This quote speaks to the rollercoaster of emotions that victims often feel, such as confusion, hurt and disappointment.
Toxic Narcissist Quotes – Internalizing The Abuse
“A narcissist slowly chips away at your self-esteem until you lose all sense of who you are and what they have done to you.”
This quote speaks to how a narcissist seeks to control their victim by undermining their self-worth and causing them to internalize the abuse. It is important to remember that it is not your fault, and that you are not to blame for being targeted by a toxic narcissist.
“The narcissist is like a bucket with a hole in the bottom: No matter how much you put in, you can never fill it up. The phrase “I never feel like I am enough” is the mantra of the person in the narcissistic relationship. That’s because to your narcissistic partner, you are not. No one is. Nothing is.”
Ramani Durvasula
Ramani Durvasula brings to focus the devastating effects of narcissistic abuse on its victims. Narcissists have unreasonably high expectations of those around them and their victims can never do enough to please them, regardless of how hard they try.
“A narcissist will coordinate their entire life around belittling and berating you while they build an idealized version of themselves in your head. They want to make sure that when everyone else sees them, they see the best possible version of a person.”
John Winters
John Winters’ words describe how a narcissist will try to make their victims feel small and insignificant in order to maintain control over them. This is done in an effort to preserve the narcissist’s false image of perfection.
Toxic Narcissist Quotes – Narcissistic Supply
“How starved you must have been that my heart became a meal for your ego.”
Amanda Torroni
Torroni speaks for all of us with this lament. To a narcissist, love and admiration are nothing more than a means to an end. They will feign care and affection in order to manipulate their victims and gain a sense of control. However, in truth all they are looking for is a source of narcissistic supply.
“Pathological narcissism is like psychological arsenic: lethal in small doses over time!”
Sam Vaknin
Sam Vaknin’s quote serves as an apt reminder of the immense harm that narcissistic abuse can cause. The long-term effects of narcissistic abuse on its victims are tremendous and often linger for years afterwards.
“A narcissist’s need for validation is like a funnel — the more you feed it, the more it wants.”
Ross Rosenberg
Rosenberg’s quote is a powerful reminder of the insatiable nature of the narcissist’s craving for narcissistic supply. No matter how much praise or attention a narcissist receives, they will always want more, and this can be incredibly draining on their victims. It is important to remember that such people have no genuine interest in connecting with others but instead seek validation for their own selfish needs.
Toxic Narcissist Quotes – Narcissistic Parents
“Children of narcissists learn that love is abuse. The narcissist teaches them that if someone displeases you, it is okay to harm them and call it love.”
M. Wakefield
M. Wakefield’s words reflect the harsh reality of growing up with a narcissistic parent who seeks to control and manipulate their child for their own benefit. Narcissistic parents have difficulty showing empathy or understanding, and instead seek to dominate and belittle their children in order to maintain power and control over them. Such damaging treatment can have long-term consequences, such as low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.
Toxic Narcissist Quotes – My Favourite!
“It’s so nice when toxic people stop talking to you. It’s like the trash took itself out.”
Karen Salmansohn
This quote perfectly sums up the relief that many people feel when they are finally free from a narcissistic relationship. Healing will take time, but at last they can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Final Thoughts
Narcissism is a complex psychological disorder that can have devastating effects on those who are in relationships with narcissists. It often takes a toll on the victims’ mental and physical health, leading to feelings of confusion, depression, and anxiety. If you or someone you know is dealing with a narcissist, it is important to reach out for help and support. It can be challenging to deal with narcissistic people, but with the right tools and assistance, it is possible to move forward.
It is important to remember that we all have worth and value — no matter how hard a narcissist may try to make us feel small. We must open our eyes and hearts, and recognize that we are valuable and worthy of being loved. We must recognize that we have the strength to heal and move on, despite any trauma we may have endured.
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