I really don't think its possible for someone who has never experienced narcissistic abuse to understand. So I think a part of the decision to try to explain is knowing from the beginning that most people wont get it, even people that love you and genuinely want what’s best for you. It’s not that you’re explaining it the wrong way or that its not that big of a deal. It is just far too surreal for the average person. Don’t talk yourself out of the truth, what you know is real. What has been the most effective for me is to focus on the narcissists’ behavior, specific situations, and factual information. I don’t use the word “narcissist”. Its been my experience that the average person hears the word “narcissist” and they think that its just someone who is really vain and self-centered. That is barely the tip of the iceberg. I use the word “toxic”. Even that word can not encompass the totality of narcissistic abuse but it feels like people are able to somewhat understand the gravity of what you have experienced. -A Dollhouse Engineered

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"Too Surreal for the Average Person"