Narcissistic Abuse Explained: Why You Didn’t See It While It Was Happening

Narcissistic Abuse Explained: Why You Didn’t See It While It Was Happening

If you’re only now wondering whether what you went through was abuse, this episode is for you.In this episode of Strings Attached, hosts Noah and Rose gently unpack why narcissistic abuse is so difficult to recognise while you’re inside it. We explore how narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) often show up through subtle, ongoing patterns of emotional abuse rather than obvious harm — leaving survivors confused, self-doubting, and minimising their own pain.

Together, we break down the dynamics of gaslighting, love bombing, and trauma bonding, and explain how these patterns slowly disconnect you from your instincts, your sense of reality, and your self-trust. We talk about why “walking on eggshells” becomes normal, why the emotional highs can feel addictive, and why so many survivors don’t realise what’s happening until much later.

This conversation isn’t about labelling or diagnosing — it’s about understanding the dynamic, validating your experience, and offering clarity as a foundation for healing, self-protection, and recovery. Whether this was a romantic relationship, a family dynamic, or another close connection, your experience matters.

If you’ve ever asked yourself “Was it really abuse?” or “Why didn’t I see it sooner?” — this episode is for you.

You deserve clarity.
You deserve emotional safety.
And you deserve support as you rebuild your relationship with yourself and your mental health.

🎧 Listen in, and take the next gentle step forward — we’re here with you.

00:00 Understanding Narcissism and NPD

03:38 Recognizing Narcissistic Abuse Patterns

06:38 The Impact of Gaslighting

09:02 Love Bombing: The Illusion of Affection

10:38 The Switch: From Warmth to Criticism

14:11 Why We Don't Recognize Abuse

17:39 The Addictive Cycle of Narcissistic Relationships

20:45 Signs of Narcissistic Abuse

23:39 Finding Clarity and Healing

24:49 Outro