Love bombing. Gaslighting. Coercive control. Narcissists can crash into your life on the charm offensive. They begin with intense affection, compliments and grand gestures. But behind that charm can be manipulation and intense criticism. In the worst cases, they control every aspect of their partner's life. It’s disorienting to be with a narcissist, and often people with narcissistic traits have very little insight into their behaviour. Yumi Stynes chats to women who’ve been in love with narcissists to understand what got them under their spell and why they're so difficult to leave. Plus, clinical Tamara Cavenett explores what you can do to protect your emotional state within a narcissistic relationship, and how to get out safely. If you need help:1800 Respect national helpline1800 737 732Women's Crisis Line1800 811 811Lifeline131 114Relationships Australia1300 364 277This episode will answer questions like: Am I in a relationship with a narcissist? How do narcissists behave in romantic relationships? How can you find out if your partner is a narcissist? What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder? How can you prepare to leave a coercive relationship? What to listen to next: Are you mum or grandma? Having a baby at 47I love you but I hate your politicsIs your attachment style messing with your love life?One true love or many: Monogamy vs. open relationships What to read next:Why these women have never had a partner The joys of having babies in your 40sWhy these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it wentThis episode contains references to dating, marriage, sex, narcissist, control, coercive relationships, empathy, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, mental illness.This episode was originally broadcast in October, 2023. (R).

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