Let’s normalize something real quick (and yes, we’re doing it with a little humor because if we don’t laugh, we’ll cry).
If you:
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Apologize like it’s a reflex
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Say “sorry” when someone else bumps into you
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Replay conversations like it’s game film
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Second-guess decisions you already made correctly
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Struggle with boundaries (either having none or building Fort Knox overnight)
Congratulations… you’re not broken.
You’re a narcissistic abuse survivor.
And before you side-eye yourself, let’s be clear:
These aren’t personality flaws.
They’re survival skills that stayed too long.
People-pleasing?
That was you keeping the peace.
Hyper-vigilance?
That was you learning to read the room to stay safe.
Minimizing your pain with “it’s not that bad”?
That was you staying functional when acknowledging it felt too dangerous.
Fear of abandonment?
You learned love could disappear without warning.
Low self-worth?
That wasn’t born in you — it was installed.
Here’s the slightly savage truth:
You weren’t “too sensitive.”
You were trained to doubt yourself so someone else could stay comfortable.
Healing looks weird at first.
You’ll apologize less and feel rude.
You’ll say no and feel guilty.
You’ll trust slowly and feel guarded.
That’s not regression.
That’s reclaiming your nervous system.
You don’t need to explain why you’re cautious.
You don’t need to rush trust.
You don’t need to earn respect by over-giving.
You are not behind.
You are unlearning.
So if you see yourself in that list, don’t shame it.
Thank it.
Then gently teach yourself something new.
Because the same heart that survived manipulation
is the one that will eventually recognize peace —
and choose it without apologizing.
Healing isn’t loud.
But it’s powerful.
And no… you’re not crazy.
You’re becoming free.
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