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Breaking free from narcissistic abuse requires recognizing patterns most of us never knew had names. Laura spent 33 years married to someone everyone thought was "such a nice guy" while enduring emotional manipulation, constant boundary violations, and the slow erosion of her self-worth behind closed doors.

On this raw and illuminating episode, Laura shares how she finally found the courage to leave after experiencing what she now recognizes as a "reverse discard" – a manipulative tactic where narcissists orchestrate situations to make victims appear responsible for ending relationships. This allows them to control the narrative and play victim while avoiding accountability for their actions.

The conversation explores the painful reality of trauma bonding, where victims become psychologically attached to their abusers through cycles of intermittent reinforcement. Laura describes how gaslighting left her questioning her own perceptions for decades, only to have memories surface after divorce when her brain finally felt safe enough to process them. This delayed recognition is common among survivors who often don't realize they were in abusive relationships until they've escaped them.

Beyond the trauma, this episode offers profound hope for healing and reinvention. Laura transformed her experience into purpose by becoming a coach, author, and podcast host helping other midlife women recover from narcissistic relationships. She discusses how writing her book "Married to a Nice Guy" became part of her healing journey, allowing her to document her growth while helping others recognize similar patterns in their lives.

For anyone who has ever minimized their dreams, walked on eggshells to keep the peace, or felt the confusion of loving someone who treats them poorly, this conversation offers validation, understanding, and a roadmap to reclaiming your life. As Laura powerfully demonstrates, midlife after narcissistic abuse isn't the end of your story – it's potentially the beginning of your most authentic and joyful chapter yet.

Ready to heal from betrayal trauma or toxic relationships? Follow @happilyevenaftercoach on Instagram and visit lifecoachjenwithn.com to learn more about recovery coaching and resources.

Laura Richards

Podcaster • Speaker • Author • Coach

•Author of  Married To A "Nice" Guy: Getting Over Narcissistic Abuse get the book here

•"You're Not Crazy" ebook: get it here

•Follow the podcast: http://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com

Please follow me on instagram and facebook @happilyevenaftercoach and if you want to see what coaching is all about I offer a free 45 min. clarity call via zoom.

Email me: [email protected] for any comments or questions.

Thanks for listening, please like and review as well as share with your family and friends.

My website is www.lifecoachjen.com