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When our partners are stuck on the receiving end of a manipulative, controlling, or narcissistic co-parent hell-bent on destroying their lives, we stepparents are standing right there next to them, right smack in the red zone.

Narcissists love pushing buttons. They want conflict and drama because that’s the best way to keep you off balance. Their goal is chaos, because that’s how they achieve complete control.

So what’s the best way we can support our partners and our stepkids while also protecting ourselves when we’re facing a high-conflict ex?

Don’t give them what they want. Instead, respond like you’re a little ol’ grey rock. Refuse to take their bait and decline to participate in drama. No matter what they throw in your direction, remain neutral. Over time, these emotional vampires will move on to a new food source.

I have an entire blog post with more specific tips on how to protect your own mental health when the ex is a nightmare: 4 WAYS STEPPARENTS CAN PROTECT THEIR OWN MENTAL HEALTH IN HIGH CONFLICT

Don’t let them get inside your head. xo

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