A Beginning Guide to

Reclaiming Your Life after

Dating a Narcissist

Table of contents Pages

Preface……………………………………………………………………………………………………….1

Chapter 1: Introduction………………………………………………………………………………2

Chapter 2: Signs that you’re dating a narcissist……………………………………………3

Chapter 3: How to reclaim your life after dating a narcissist………………………..5

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

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Preface
“A beginning guide to reclaiming your life after dating a narcissist” is a mini-guide
which outlines specific relationship issues with a narcissist.
Most times, when a relationship fails, we often blame ourselves or doubt a lot
about us. It isn’t always our fault; for a relationship to work, two people must be
fully involved. 
On this mini-guide, you will find precise insights that will help your healing
process after experiencing a toxic relationship.               

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Chapter 1                         
Introduction

A narcissist is one who has a personality disorder; they tend to have an inflated
sense of importance, a deep need for excessive attention and lack of empathy for
others. They are mostly self-centered with annoying character and behavior.
Narcissism was popularly introduced in Sigmund feud’s essay as a concept in the
psychoanalytic essay. The term originated from a Greek mythology where a
handsome Greek youth called “Narcissus” fell in love with his image reflected in a
pool of water, according to Ovid, he deliberately rejected the desperate advances
of the nymph Echo. While being unable to consummate his love, Narcissus ended
up in a path of self-destruction by changing into a flower that bears his name
“Narcissus”. 
This whole concept has been described as excessive selfishness, and admiration of
one’s idealized self. They consider themselves as perfect and are overly
concerned with obtaining positive feedback from others. This has been in
existence since the beginning of history.

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Chapter 2
Signs that you’re dating a narcissist

Being in a relationship with a narcissist is can be loaded with the situation,

whether it’s romantic, platonic or just professional. They are so tricky to navigate
and are masterful at creating an entirely different image for him or herself that is
far different from reality. They are always preoccupied with their desire to satisfy
their own needs, thereby actively ignoring your earnest needs.
People who have once dated or are dating a narcissist always experience abuse or
neglect; a lot of people attend counseling because they are trying to recover from
a relationship with a narcissist. At the same time, others haven’t even realized
that they are in a relationship with a narcissist.
So, how can one uncover the real personality of a narcissist to avoid being
involved in a toxic relationship? These tips will help you identify if he or she is a
narcissist or not, although do not rush into conclusion but carefully consider this
points to help you identify the red flags that point to trouble in the future.

They lack empathy: this lack of understanding causes them to take advantage of

others without regrets. This is the hallmark of narcissism; their inability to
sympathize and empathize with others is one of the main reasons having a
healthy relationship with them seem futile.

They hardly define relationship: Narcissist is known for dancing around when it

comes to establishing a relationship; they find it very difficult to label the
relationship. They expect you to treat them like they’re your partner; they reap
the intimate, emotional and sexual benefit and end up treating you the opposite
way.

They think they are right about everything: Due to his/her inability to recognize
and integrate actual reality, they find it difficult to evolve. They think they are
perfect, always right and there’s no reason to change. They do not see any wrong
in whatever they do and because they never see any mistake in anything they do,
they never apologies.

They pick on you regularly:  They hold an unreasonable expectation of particularly

favorable treatment and expect you to comply with that, and when you don’t,

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they get overly angry. They pick on you at any slightest opportunity and expect
you to treat them special all the time.
. 

            

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Chapter 3
How to reclaim your life after dating a narcissist

People who happen to be in a relationship with narcissist continually sought

outside validation and sometimes struggle to sustain a sense of self-esteem.
Changing a person with a narcissistic personality is a challenging task, and
improving yourself in other to meet their whim and desires will never be enough
for them. The best thing you can do is to cut ties with them and offer no second
chance. This only will help you recover from the relationship and stick with your
decision. 
If you have to be in a relationship with someone who exhibits narcissistic traits
and does not know how to get back to your usual self and life after dating them,
these tips will help you get back to your sane self after calling it a quit;

Practice self-love:  Find something positive and channel your energy into it, all the
time you have been trying to please a narcissist has exposed you to a level of
mental disorder which is extremely unhealthy to the mind. Now is the time to let
go of all negative vibe and make the best out of yourself. Find and practice self-
love, find out about things that make you feel good; you can look for a new hobby
or go back to the old one. Immerse yourself in something you’re passionate
about, and you will find out how relieved you will become.

Accept that it wasn’t about you and forgive yourself: make peace with yourself, it
wasn’t your fault, so don’t blame yourself. This step will help you set your mind
straight. Realize that you have been with a toxic person, manipulated and abused.
Accept the truth that your best traits were used against you, and there’s nothing
else you could have done.

Talk to a professional about it: Dating a narcissist can be exhausting and can cause
intense long-lasting grief that can take over one’s life. That is why you must seek
the service of a professional therapist who specializes in emotional abuse and
mental rehab. Most times, you won’t understand the level of damage done to you
until you have seen a professional.

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Conclusion
Dating a narcissist is a bad experience; however, you can learn a great deal from
such exposure. Although this book is not meant to diagnose your partner, it is
intended to point out the unacceptable behaviors that are unhealthy for your
relationship. Accept the fact that you are not responsible for their actions, but
you are responsible for taking care of yourself.