The experience of being devalued and discarded by a narcissist

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The experience of being devalued and discarded by a narcissist can be incredibly painful and confusing. It is important to understand that narcissists are often unable to truly love or care for others in a healthy way, and instead, they use others for their own gain.

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Step 1: Idealization

The narcissist will often begin the relationship with a period of idealization, where they shower their partner with attention, affection, and compliments. This can feel like a dream come true, and the partner may feel incredibly special and loved.

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Step 2: Devaluation

However, this idealization phase does not last forever. The narcissist will eventually begin to devalue their partner, finding fault with them and making them feel unworthy and inadequate. This can be subtle at first, with the narcissist making small criticisms or becoming more distant. But over time, the devaluation can become more overt and hurtful, with the narcissist belittling their partner and making them feel worthless.

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Step 3: Discard

Once the devaluation has reached a certain point, the narcissist may discard their partner completely. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as abruptly ending the relationship, cheating, or simply ghosting their partner. The discard can be incredibly painful for the partner, who may feel confused, hurt, and abandoned.

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Step 4: Recovery

Recovering from the experience of being devalued and discarded by a narcissist can be a long and difficult process. It is important to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist who can help you process your feelings and heal from the trauma of the relationship. It is also important to remember that the behavior of the narcissist was not your fault, and to work on rebuilding your self-esteem and self-worth.

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Being devalued and discarded by a narcissist can be a traumatic experience that leaves deep scars. However, with time and support, it is possible to heal and move on to healthier relationships in the future.

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