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Michelle Padgett on Dancing with the Devil: Escaping the Grip of a Narcissist

07 Jul, 2025 46
Michelle Padgett on Dancing with the Devil: Escaping the Grip of a Narcissist

At first, they seem magnetic, charming and confident. Everything you’ve ever wanted, all tied up like a pretty gift—just for you! Yes, you’re made to feel special for being chosen by them; noticed, adored, pursued.

Slowly, over time, the entire dynamic shifts. The compliments turn into criticisms, and simple daily conversations become battles. You begin to feel confused, anxious and exhausted, left wondering if you’re the problem. You second-guess yourself constantly, as this person you once trusted and loved now holds the power to define your worth.

This is the cruel reality of daily life with a narcissistic abuser.

Narcissism isn’t just self-absorption or a grandiose sense of vanity. At its most toxic, it is emotional and psychological manipulation—hidden behind a mask of charisma, charm, deviance and control.

Behind that mask is a monster: someone who feeds off public admiration and accolades while secretly draining their victim’s energy and destroying their closest relationships.

Unless you’ve lived through it, it’s almost impossible to fully understand how devastating, debilitating and soul-crushing it can be.

The Many Faces of Narcissism

Most narcissists aren’t openly cruel at first because they know how to play the game of Mr “Nice Guy.” They put on a great public performance because they are acting the part. They appear to be successful, attractive, and sometimes generous—especially when they want something or are searching for new supply.

A narcissist will only give in order to get—everything they do comes with conditions and hidden agendas. The moment you stop feeding their ego or begin setting boundaries, the mask of perfection—and all forms of peace—starts to slip.

That’s when the real damage begins. You start to unravel the truth about their life—a lifestyle built on lies, manipulation, deception, and sometimes criminal behaviour.

They gaslight you—denying things they’ve said or done, twisting your words, making you doubt your own reality. They love to play the victim when confronted. Narcissists are experts at manipulating your empathy, guilt-tripping you into compliance, or triangulating you against others—or others against you. You’re either their golden child or their scapegoat—there is no in-between.

Once you finally call them out or walk away, be prepared for rage, blame, or a smear campaign designed to destroy your credibility and reputation.

Is Narcissism Dangerous?

Because it’s not always visible, narcissistic abuse becomes a battle for your soul and your spirit. The abuse leaves no physical bruises. No outward signs of harm. But inside? You are left shattered.

You might feel like you’re walking on eggshells—or worse, navigating a minefield—when they’re around. As the victim of their emotional and psychological torture, you may try to "fix" the relationship or wonder what you did wrong, while the narcissist becomes a master of your emotional erosion.

It’s demonic. Their goal isn’t just control—it’s domination of your self-esteem, your thoughts, your finances, and your identity.

Survivors of narcissistic abuse often describe it as soul-destroying—because you completely lose yourself.

Signs You May Be Dealing with a Narcissist

They lack genuine empathy and real compassion.

They have a grandiose sense of self, exaggerate achievements and constantly crave admiration.

They make you feel guilty or ashamed for having needs, emotions, or expressing your feelings.

They manipulate through charm, silence, stonewalling, rage, or by playing the victim.

They dismiss your accomplishments and take credit for your ideas. Public humiliation is not beneath them.

They never take responsibility for their actions. They deflect, justify, or shift blame rather than apologise.

Not all narcissists are the same, and not everyone who displays narcissistic traits has Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). But when these behaviours are consistent and abusive, they can cause lasting psychological and emotional trauma—and even permanent brain damage.

Trauma and Trauma Bonds

One of the most painful aspects of narcissistic abuse is the trauma bond. It’s a psychological attachment formed through a cycle of reward and punishment—love followed by devaluation.

You’re left craving their approval and fearing their rejection. It becomes a tug of war in your soul. Your nervous system is completely dysregulated.

Even when the relationship becomes toxic, it can be incredibly hard to leave. You may still love them, still believe they can change. Or, you may feel paralysed by fear of their retaliation and the damage they might do if you walk away.

Narcissists maintain control through confusion, fear, blackmail and emotional dependency.

Your Path to Healing

Healing from narcissistic abuse isn’t easy—but it is possible. And it is powerful.

Acknowledge the Abuse. Stop minimising what happened. Call it what it is. Abuse is abuse. You didn’t imagine it. You’re not crazy. And you didn’t deserve to be mistreated, manipulated or used as a verbal, emotional or psychological punching bag.

Break the Illusion. That person behind the mask never truly loved you—it was all an illusion to gain control. Narcissists often idealise and pedestalise you in the beginning, but it’s never genuine. You were groomed, not cherished. The more you accept this truth, the freer you become.

Set Firm Boundaries and Reclaim Your Power. This might mean no contact, or low contact. Either way, boundaries are your lifeline. You don’t owe them an explanation. You owe yourself peace.

Reconnect with Yourself. Narcissistic abuse breaks your soul, cripples your spirit and disconnects you from your sense of self. In healing, begin rebuilding trust with your inner voice. Journal. Pray. Seek therapy. Do the things that remind you who you are—and your worth.

Get Connected. Healing in isolation is hard. Speak to others who’ve been there. Join a support group or work with a counsellor who understands narcissistic abuse. You are not alone. You do not have to carry this weight by yourself.

Faith, Strength and Recovery

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

If you’ve been in a relationship with a narcissist—romantic, familial, or professional—you may feel crushed in spirit. But God is near. You are not beyond repair. You are not too broken to heal. Your story is not over.

There is life after narcissistic abuse. There is joy, peace—and most importantly, there is you—rediscovered, renewed, and restored.

No More Dancing with the Devil

Narcissism is a lie. It makes you believe you’re dancing with Prince Charming—when in truth, you’re slow dancing with the devil.

This demonic spirit thrives in secrecy, shame, blame, mind games and manipulation. But once you see and expose the evil behind the mask, you begin to take your power back.

No more walking on eggshells. No more questioning your worth. No more mistaking emotional instability and chaos for love.

Your heart is precious. You deserve real love, respect, safety, truth and peace.

Let this be the beginning of your healing—the moment the fairytale unravels, the mask falls, and you walk forward into your new life of freedom and victory.