Tony Overbay, LMFT, explores how seemingly minor slights and manipulations in relationships can accumulate to cause significant emotional harm. Welcome to the 8th installment of Waking Up to Narcissism’s “Death by 1,000 Cuts” series. 

In this episode, Tony delves deep into the subtle yet severe world of emotional abuse. Whether you're dealing with a narcissistic partner, emotionally immature family members, or challenging work colleagues, this episode is full of relatable stories and practical advice to help you understand and navigate these treacherous waters. 

Tony shares listener-submitted poems and limericks that perfectly capture the pain and frustration of enduring countless small but stinging slights. He also shares personal anecdotes and listener stories to illustrate how these seemingly minor offenses can pile up, causing significant emotional damage over time. 

Discover invaluable strategies for maintaining your emotional health, such as self-compassion, differentiating yourself emotionally, and setting healthy boundaries. You'll also learn the importance of documenting behavior patterns and trusting your gut feelings to reclaim your reality and foster your healing journey.

Find more from Tony Overbay:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@virtualcouch

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtual.couch/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyoverbaylmft/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-virtual-couch/id1275153998

Website: https://www.tonyoverbay.com/ 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/virtualcouch

Stream Riley Hope's song 'Not My Job' and follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicbyrileyhope/ 

00:00 Deathbycuts8

07:13 Introduction and Acknowledgements

08:06 Listener Contributions: Poems and Limericks

09:13 Understanding Emotional Cuts in Relationships

09:33 Host Introduction and Podcast Overview

11:36 The Free Throw Analogy: Preparation vs. Real Life

16:44 Applying Relationship Skills in Real Life

24:30 Listener Stories: Death by a Thousand Cuts

31:21 Roommate Frustrations

31:46 Financial Manipulation

32:21 Co-Parenting Conflicts

32:55 Family Event Disruptions

33:43 Emotional Immaturity in Relationships

42:03 Professional Sabotage

45:00 Phone Surveillance

47:08 Achievement Diminishment

48:07 Weaponized Routines

48:45 Financial Manipulation Revisited

50:30 Co-Parenting Undermining

51:09 Recognizing Patterns of Control

54:16 The Importance of Self-Compassion