I am re-visiting the experience of betrayal in relationships with narcissistic personalities. This is a common occurrence when we are involved with them as parents, in marriages and partnerships, personal and professional relationships.
Betrayal has an ancient history, harking back to the dawn of mankind.
Betrayal is described as “an act of deliberate disloyalty” It comes from the Middle English word bitrayen which means to deceive, resulting in a breaking of trust.
Insidious comes from the Latin word insidiae which means ambush.
Betrayal is a deep violation of trust. Betraying someone is an act of contemptuous disrespect.
We feel a sharp sting when we discover that someone we have trusted completely has covertly turned against us. These dark acts are perpetrated by those close to our psychological and emotional core.
Remember the narcissistic personality does not have a developed conscience. Their conscience means not getting caught.
Predatory narcissists are gifted at choosing their victims. They pick individuals who are vulnerable, dependent, compassionate and empathetic.
If you are married to a narcissist there is a chance that you will be betrayed. Some narcissists lead compartmentalized lives. exquisitely playing a variety of roles, wearing convincing false self masks. They are duplicitous in their relationships. They chronically lie to their spouses about their acting out behaviors. Narcissists enter into relationships that their partners believe are close and filled with trust and integrity.
You spend decades with a narcissist, give your love, loyalty and devotion to them and they will betray you.
The predatory narcissist does not deserve you. Don’t let them get the upper hand over your heart, mind and spirit.
Many individuals awaken and recognize the true nature of the predatory narcissist. You discover that your research, intuition and core sense of self will help you to recover and thrive in the aftermath of the predatory narcissist.
You deserve to be victorious as you work through the psychological and emotional pain of this series of betrayals.
Practice self care every day – Sleep and rest, move and exercise, eat nourishing food, hydrate well, unleash your unique creativity. Give yourself tremendous credit for your perseverance, insights, strong sense of self, deep integrity.
Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.