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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse summary
Melanie Tonia Evans
The #1 System for Recovering from Toxic Relationships
21 mins
Brief summary
You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse by Melanie Tonia Evans is a guidebook that empowers survivors to heal from emotional and psychological abuse. It provides practical tools and strategies to rebuild their lives and reclaim their power.
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You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse
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The basics: narcissism and abuse
Narcissistic abuse is emotional, psychological, and mental abuse inflicted by someone with narcissistic personality traits. These include a whole constellation of traits, but mostly boil down to an individual’s grandiose sense of self-importance. Narcissists often require admiration or have a sense of entitlement – they deserve special treatment because they’re special, right?
They may exploit others as a result, taking advantage of people’s generosity, kindness, or empathy. But don’t expect empathy in return: narcissists are unwilling or unable to recognize the feelings of others. They often come off as haughty or proud, and can be incredibly reactive to criticism. This might mean toddler-style rages and violent meltdowns if they’re feeling shame or humiliation.
Narcissists also need to project their flaws onto others, to protect themselves from the pain of experiencing them. This can lead to long histories of unstable relationships, or lots of ongoing, high-conflict relationships in their lives. But no simple list of characteristics can really define the particular experience of being in a relationship with a narcissist, so let’s consider Anika’s story.
Anika was struggling to leave her narcissistic husband Ray. At first, Ray wooed Anika with lavish gifts and non-stop compliments, a tactic known as love bombing. But he quickly became possessive and controlling in their relationship, jealous of any positive attention she received from anyone else. When Anika voiced her concerns, Ray would cry and promise to change, effectively manipulating her empathy.
But Ray's loving behavior was inevitably short-lived. He’d berate Anika constantly, making her feel small or incompetent. He used shame to convince her she was worthless without him, unlovable to anyone else. He also gaslighted her by denying or minimizing his hurtful actions. Over time, it made Anika mistrust her own perceptions of reality.
When confronting Ray about his behavior, Anika was met either with rage or stoney silence. Like any playground mean-girl, Ray would give her the cold shoulder for days, then suddenly act loving and cheerful, as if nothing had happened. This hot and cold dynamic created an addictive trauma bond between them. Like an addiction, Anika was conditioned to crave the positive reinforcement she got between Ray's cruel outbursts.
Ray exploited Anika financially, too, by racking up debt in her name which left her dependent on his income to survive. When she tried setting boundaries, he accused her of being controlling and selfish. This projection shifted all the blame back onto Anika. The manipulation left her depressed, anxious and isolated. She blamed herself, not realizing she was being deliberately abused.
Anika 's story, though heartbreaking, reveals the insidious tactics narcissists use to gain power while concealing their malice.
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What is You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse about?
You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse (2018) addresses the epidemic in narcissism and narcissistic abuse in contemporary society, including the devastating impacts on victims. It offers a step-by-step process for releasing past traumas and confronting negative beliefs to heal from past abuse and thrive in healthy relationships.
You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse Review
You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse (2018) is a book that provides valuable insights for those who have experienced narcissistic abuse, offering a path to healing and empowerment. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Based on years of research and personal experience, it offers practical strategies for overcoming the trauma of narcissistic abuse and rebuilding a fulfilling life.
- By sharing real-life stories and examples, the author brings the concepts to life, making the book relatable and inspiring.
- The book empowers readers with a step-by-step guide to healing, helping them regain their self-worth and create healthier relationships in the future.
Who should read You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse?
- Anyone feeling trapped in unfulfilled relationships with narcissistic people
- Sufferers of past abuse wondering why they end up in similar relationships repeatedly
- Those seeking to break free from limiting beliefs and negative self-talk that make them susceptible to manipulative people
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You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse FAQs
What is the main message of You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse?
The main message of You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse is finding healing and growth after experiencing narcissistic abuse.
How long does it take to read You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse?
The reading time for You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.
Is You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse a good book? Is it worth reading?
You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse is a valuable read for anyone seeking to heal from narcissistic abuse. It provides practical insights and guidance for personal growth in a concise and accessible format.
Who is the author of You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse?
The author of You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse is Melanie Tonia Evans.
What to read after You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse?
If you're wondering what to read next after You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Gaslighting by Stephanie Moulton Sarkis
- It's Not You by Ramani Durvasula
- Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers by Stephanie M. Kriesberg
- Emotional Blackmail by Susan Forward with Donna Frazier
- Surrounded by Narcissists by Thomas Erikson
- The Narcissist's Playbook by Dana Morningstar
- The Highly Sensitive Person's Guide to Dealing with Toxic People by Shahida Arabi
- 5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life by Bill Eddy
- Rethinking Narcissism by Craig Malkin
- Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson