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Ever realized someone was still pulling your strings years after you thought you'd cut them loose? That's exactly where I found myself recently—seven and a half years after leaving my narcissistic marriage, discovering brand new layers of manipulation I hadn't even recognized.

The shocking truth? I'd been conditioned to believe I was making good parenting choices by "keeping the peace," when in reality, I was allowing my ex to continue controlling my life through our child. It took a former partner (a therapist with decades of experience) to point out this painful truth—my ex was still manipulating my schedule, my relationships, and my peace through carefully crafted situations involving our son.

In this raw, unfiltered episode, I break down a recent interaction where my ex tried to manipulate me into taking over childcare for our sick son so he could go golfing. I walk through the multiple layers of this manipulation—from "praise baiting" by reminding me of past good deeds, to creating anxiety in our child that I'd have to soothe, to presenting himself as considerate for "checking with me first" when really he was just looking for an out from his parental responsibilities.

What makes this kind of manipulation so damaging is how it affects children. My son has developed anxiety around doing anything that might upset his father, including me dating or having my own social life. He's internalized his father's reactions as somehow being his responsibility. The heartbreaking reality of narcissistic co-parenting is that our children become unwitting pawns in a game they never asked to play.

If you're struggling with a narcissistic co-parent, this episode offers validation, strategies for setting boundaries, and most importantly, hope. Because as I've discovered, healing isn't just about surviving—it's about thriving in your own renaissance of self-discovery. The journey may not be linear, but every time you recognize manipulation and choose differently, you're taking a powerful step forward.

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After a painful nine-month relapse with my narcissistic ex-husband, I've emerged with clearer boundaries and important lessons to share about recognizing manipulation tactics and prioritizing reality over potential in relationships.

• Having experienced the rollercoaster of trauma bonds, love bombing, and manipulation again, I now understand how easily narcissists exploit our vulnerabilities
• People can change, but look for tangible evidence through personal development work, not just words
• My middle son recently experienced a similar toxic relationship pattern but learned from my experience and walked away faster
• Narcissists will cross boundaries in calculated ways—like when my ex showed up unannounced to meet my children before I was ready
• The healing journey isn't linear, but each cycle teaches us more and strengthens our ability to recognize patterns earlier
• Witnessing someone's actions reveals much more than believing in their potential or listening to their promises
• Breaking generational cycles requires honesty about troubling patterns and protecting your peace

Please subscribe, as we're going to meet here every week and continue to grow and develop into our best selves.

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As my son takes his first steps into the Army, I find myself on an unexpected emotional journey, grappling with anxiety and illness. My idealized vision of thriving in newfound freedom was quickly overshadowed by the guilt of missing work at a new job and the pressing need for self-compassion. Join me as I reflect on these pivotal life transitions, sharing intimate insights on the importance of allowing ourselves to rest without shame. You'll hear about my own emotional rollercoaster and how these experiences have shaped my path towards healing and personal growth.

In this episode, I navigate the complex landscape of love and healing, recounting a personal story of feeling trapped in a challenging relationship. Torn between the desire for growth and recognizing a lack of genuine affection, this narrative underscores the moral dilemmas many face in vulnerable moments. As I candidly recount these experiences, I invite you to embrace your own healing journey and join me weekly as we explore transformation and resilience. Plus, get a sneak peek at an upcoming episode discussing the lessons learned from reconnecting with a narcissistic ex and celebrating my own physical transformation through weight loss and surgery.

Support the show

Thank you for listening!

Connect with us through FanMail!

Interact in our community!
awakenwildone.com

Unleash your best life!