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 737 732

Women's Crisis Line1800 811 811

Lifeline131 114

Relationships Australia1300 364 277

This 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? 

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What to read next:

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This 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).