Strawmanning is a psychological defense mechanism that can be particularly effective in managing a relationship with a narcissist. In such relationships, the narcissist often seeks to manipulate and control, making it challenging to maintain one's emotional well-being. By creating a strawman—a false version of oneself that engages superficially with the narcissist—one can protect their true self from the narcissist's tactics.

Self-care is imperative for protecting your heart, mind, and soul while trying to survive in a relationship with a toxic partner, and while working to figure out your next steps and potential plan of escape.

Narcissism, a personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others, often manifests in various behaviors that can perplex and frustrate those around the narcissist. One such behavior is the frequent question, "Why do you love me?" This seemingly simple question can be laden with deeper psychological motivations when posed by someone with narcissistic tendencies.

Narcissistic abuse can be deeply damaging, often leaving lasting scars that extend far beyond the end of the relationship. This form of abuse is characterized by manipulative, controlling, and often covert behaviors that erode the victim's sense of self-worth and reality. Understanding the trauma responses to narcissistic abuse is crucial for healing and recovery.

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a person or group covertly sows seeds of doubt in a targeted individual, making them question their own memory, perception, or judgment. This often leads to confusion, loss of confidence, and dependency on the perpetrator.

Narcissistic abuse is a complex and insidious form of psychological manipulation, often leaving its victims feeling confused, disoriented, and powerless. To better understand the dynamics of this kind of abuse, it can be helpful to compare it to the strategic game of chess. Just as in chess, narcissistic abuse involves a series of calculated moves, strategies, and tactics designed to dominate, control, and ultimately checkmate the victim.