Stay Guarded.

A narcissist is someone who says everything you’ve ever wanted to hear…

But never backs a single word with real action.

They’ll mirror your dreams, your values, your hopes. They’ll study your heart and speak to it with precision. In the beginning, they’ll love-bomb you with compliments, promises, and illusions of a perfect future. They’ll make you feel seen, chosen, and safe… not because they actually mean it, but because they need you to believe it.

That’s the hook.

They’ll talk about forever. They’ll talk about marriage, building a life, starting a family, growing old together. They’ll make you feel like everything you’ve ever been missing is finally here. And for a while? It feels like magic. But soon, their mask starts to slip… and the same person who once spoke to your soul now chips away at it.

Because a narcissist doesn’t fall in love with you... they fall in love with the control they think they have over you.

Suddenly, the person who promised to protect you is the one causing the most harm. The communication turns into criticism. The warmth turns cold. The support turns silent. And you’re left questioning yourself, doubting your instincts, and apologizing for pain they caused. 

You go from feeling chosen to feeling like an option. From being uplifted to being emotionally drained.

And they’ll gaslight you every step of the way.

Make you feel crazy for noticing the switch.

Make you feel guilty for having needs.

Make you beg for the version of them that never truly existed.

That’s not love.

That’s manipulation wrapped in sweet words and empty promises.

And the worst part? They never take accountability. They rewrite the story so it looks like you’re the problem, while they play victim to the damage they created.

So let’s be clear:

Love doesn’t confuse you.

Love doesn’t lie to you.

Love doesn’t destroy your peace and call it “passion.”

A narcissist will paint the perfect picture of a future with you… only to deliver a nightmare you’ll have to heal from. And when you finally walk away, they’ll call you bitter, cold, or “too emotional”... just because you refused to keep bleeding for a love that never truly existed.

That’s not love.

That’s a trauma bond.

And healing from it will be the real love story... between you and yourself.

I’d like to add these experiences come in all forms. Men or women. Family, friends, acquaintances, managers, bosses, etc. It’s not always a romantic relationship. Stay vigilant about who is draining your energy with no regard to your personal wellbeing.