It feels like a curse. You finally leave one toxic partner, heal, and start dating again. Then, before you know it, you are trapped with another self-absorbed manipulator. Naturally, you ask yourself, “Why does this keep happening to me?”
It is not just bad luck. Unfortunately, specific traits you possess act like a magnet for narcissists. Crucially, they don’t target just anyone. Instead, they target people who feed their ego.
Understanding this pattern is your only way out. It is time to stop being a target and start being a fortress.
You Have High Empathy (And They Know it)
Narcissists cannot survive without supply. Specifically, they need admiration, validation, and emotional energy. You, being highly empathetic, have plenty to give because you feel their pain deeply.
Consequently, they seek you out. They know you will try to understand them rather than judge them. In short, your compassion becomes their playground.
Empathy is a gift, not a weakness. However, empathy without boundaries is self-destruction. Therefore, you must learn to save your empathy for those who earn it.
You Are a Natural “Fixer”
You see potential in broken people. However, when they show you their tragic backstory, you don’t run. Instead, you roll up your sleeves because you think you can love them into health.
Narcissists love this about you. It means they never have to take responsibility. You will do all the emotional labor for them. Furthermore, you will even apologize for their mistakes.
Stop falling in love with potential. Rather, look at the reality standing in front of you. It is not your job to raise a grown man.
You Struggle with Setting Boundaries
Narcissists test boundaries immediately. For instance, they might push for a date too soon or make a rude joke. If you smile and accept it, they know they are in.
Perhaps you fear rejection if you say “no.” Or maybe you were taught that being “nice” means being compliant. Therefore, you let small transgressions slide.
Eventually, those small slides turn into avalanches. Strong boundaries repel narcissists. They hate limits. Learn to say “no” early and watch them disappear.
You Ignore the Red Flags
Deep down, you saw the signs. The love bombing felt too intense. Additionally, the rude comment to the waiter was jarring. Yet, you rationalized it away.
You wanted the fairy tale. Narcissists are experts at faking the fairy tale in the beginning. Thus, you ignored your intuition to keep the fantasy alive.
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it is off. Finally, stop debating your intuition and start listening to it.
You Define Your Worth Through Giving
Maybe you feel most valuable when you are being helpful. You believe love is earned through sacrifice. Unfortunately, narcissists exploit this belief ruthlessly.
They will take everything you give and demand more. Meanwhile, you keep giving, hoping for reciprocation. Sadly, it never comes.
Your worth is inherent. It is not based on how much you can endure or how much you can provide. Remember, you are worthy of love simply by existing.
Break the Cycle for Good
Attracting narcissists is a sign that you need to love yourself more fiercely. Build your boundaries high. Also, trust your intuition implicitly. Stop trying to save others and start saving yourself. Ultimately, the right partner will love your strength, not your compliance.
Are you tired of the same toxic cycle? Drop a “Yes” in the comments if you are ready to close the door on narcissists forever.
What to Read Next…
- If You Feel Confused in Your Relationship, Read This Immediately
- 9 Personal Love Habits That Strengthen Relationships
- 12 Relationship Traditions That Harm Women’s Voices
- 10 Relationship Habits That Slowly Break Trust
- 6 Romantic Myths That Keep Women Trapped in Bad Love
The post The Heartbreaking Reason You Keep Attracting Narcissists appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
