Author: Lynn Nichols

Lynn is a trauma-informed narcissistic abuse recovery coach, author, personal survivor, host of the Moving Forward with Hope - Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast, and creator of the YouTube Channel, Wake the Elephant. Her books include Overcoming the Devastation of Narcissistic Abuse: How to Heal, Recover and Take Your Life Back and Master Manipulators: Discover Covert Tactics Narcissists Devise to Manipulate, Deceive and Control. She is passionate in encouraging others through the stages of healing and recovery from narcissistic emotional abuse. Lynn is available for interviews, podcast appearances, and collaborating on related projects. In her free time, Lynn enjoys traveling (both internationally and domestically) and spending time near the beach in warm weather. The purpose of this site is to validate victims (now survivors and overcomers!) of narcissistic abuse, provide resources and encouragement toward rebuilding lives, and to facilitate a revolutionary change to pursue dreams, visions, and living intentionally. If you have found our free material to be useful and beneficial, please head to our Support Page to learn how you can support our mission. We thank you in advance. Subscribe to our email list and follow us on Social Media to stay connected @waketheelephant. Validate. Rebuild. Revolutionize.

Dating | Empaths | Healing and Recovery | Personal Growth | Scapegoat | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

7 Effective Ways to Protect Yourself from the Emotional Manipulation of Narcissism in Romantic Relationships
ByLynn Nichols August 11, 2024August 11, 2024

7 Effective Ways to Protect Yourself from the Emotional Manipulation of Narcissism in Romantic Relationships Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Is there Someone Who Is Emotionally Manipulating You? Narcissism in romantic relationships can be incredibly damaging, leading to emotional manipulation, loss of self-esteem, and long-term psychological trauma. When involved with a narcissist, the relationship often…

Read More 7 Effective Ways to Protect Yourself from the Emotional Manipulation of Narcissism in Romantic Relationships
Healing and Recovery | Personal Growth | Tactics and Red Flags

10 Ways Social Media Negatively Fuels Narcissistic Behavior
ByLynn Nichols August 11, 2024August 11, 2024

10 Ways Social Media Negatively Fuels Narcissistic Behavior Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium What Fuels Narcissistic Behavior? Social media has revolutionized how we communicate, share, and interact, but it’s also become a breeding ground for narcissistic behavior. The platforms that connect us also provide fertile ground for self-centeredness, validation-seeking, and unhealthy competition. In this article,…

Read More 10 Ways Social Media Negatively Fuels Narcissistic Behavior
Empaths | Scapegoat | Tactics and Red Flags

Narcissistic Personality Disorder: What It Is and What It Isn’t – 6 Distinctions
ByLynn Nichols August 11, 2024

Narcissistic Personality Disorder: What It Is and What It Isn’t – 6 Distinctions Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a term that’s often misunderstood and misused in popular culture. While the term “narcissist” is frequently thrown around to describe anyone who displays selfish or arrogant behavior, true NPD is a complex…

Read More Narcissistic Personality Disorder: What It Is and What It Isn’t – 6 Distinctions
Healing and Recovery | Patriarchy | Tactics and Red Flags

The Narcissist in the Workplace: 7 Strategies to Navigate a Toxic Work Environment
ByLynn Nichols August 11, 2024May 14, 2025

The Narcissist in the Workplace: 7 Strategies to Navigate a Toxic Work Environment Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Navigating a toxic work environment dominated by a narcissist can be incredibly challenging. Narcissists in the workplace often create chaos, manipulate others, and disrupt team dynamics, all while maintaining a façade of competence and charm. Recognizing the…

Read More The Narcissist in the Workplace: 7 Strategies to Navigate a Toxic Work Environment
Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

7 Lies Narcissists Tell to Manipulate You: Don’t Fall for These Deceptions
ByLynn Nichols August 11, 2024October 9, 2024

7 Lies Narcissists Tell to Manipulate You: Don’t Fall for These Deceptions Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Narcissists are master manipulators, often relying on a web of lies to control those around them. Whether it’s to gain power, avoid responsibility, or maintain their inflated self-image, their lies are carefully crafted to keep you in a…

Read More 7 Lies Narcissists Tell to Manipulate You: Don’t Fall for These Deceptions
Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

5 Ways Covert Narcissists Manipulate: Surprising Tactics You Might Miss
ByLynn Nichols August 11, 2024August 11, 2024

5 Ways Covert Narcissists Manipulate: Surprising Tactics You Might Miss Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Will the Magic Show ever end? Covert narcissists are masters of subtle manipulation, often flying under the radar with their understated but equally damaging tactics. Unlike overt narcissists, who are easily recognized by their grandiosity and blatant self-importance, covert narcissists…

Read More 5 Ways Covert Narcissists Manipulate: Surprising Tactics You Might Miss
Dating | Empaths | Healing and Recovery | Personal Growth | Scapegoat | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

False Humility: 7 Signs You’re Dealing with a Covert Narcissist: Subtle Traits to Watch Out For
ByLynn Nichols August 11, 2024August 11, 2024

False Humility: 7 Signs You’re Dealing with a Covert Narcissist: Subtle Traits to Watch Out For Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Dealing with a Narcissist? When most people think of a narcissist, they envision someone who is overtly arrogant, boastful, and manipulative. However, not all narcissists fit this stereotype. Covert narcissists are more subtle in…

Read More False Humility: 7 Signs You’re Dealing with a Covert Narcissist: Subtle Traits to Watch Out For
Empaths | Personal Growth | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

Covert Narcissism vs. Overt Narcissism: 7 Key Differences and How to Recognize Them
ByLynn Nichols August 10, 2024August 10, 2024

Covert Narcissism vs. Overt Narcissism: 7 Key Differences and How to Recognize Them Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Covert or Overt Narcissism Narcissism is a complex personality trait that manifests in different ways. While many people are familiar with the bold, attention-seeking behavior of overt narcissists, there is another, more subtle form known as covert…

Read More Covert Narcissism vs. Overt Narcissism: 7 Key Differences and How to Recognize Them
Empaths | Evangelical Deconstruction | Golden Child | Healing and Recovery | Personal Growth | Scapegoat | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

7 Common Traits of a Narcissist’s Enablers: How to Recognize and Respond to Them
ByLynn Nichols August 10, 2024August 10, 2024

7 Common Traits of a Narcissist’s Enablers: How to Recognize and Respond to Them Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Are You Enabling a Narcissist? In the realm of narcissistic abuse, enablers play a crucial role in allowing the narcissist’s behavior to go unchecked. Whether they are friends, family members, or colleagues, enablers often support or…

Read More 7 Common Traits of a Narcissist’s Enablers: How to Recognize and Respond to Them
Dating | Healing and Recovery | Personal Growth | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

6 Common Gaslighting Phrases Used by Narcissists and How to Respond
ByLynn Nichols August 10, 2024

6 Common Gaslighting Phrases Used by Narcissists and How to Respond Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Have Your Heard the Following Gaslighting Phrases? Gaslighting is a psychological manipulation tactic used to make someone doubt their own reality, memories, or perceptions. Narcissists are notorious for employing gaslighting as a tool to control and undermine others. Recognizing…

Read More 6 Common Gaslighting Phrases Used by Narcissists and How to Respond
Dating | Empaths | Exit Plan | Healing and Recovery | No Contact | Personal Growth | Scapegoat | Spouse/Partner

10 Signs You’re Dealing with a Malignant Narcissist: Understanding and Protecting Yourself
ByLynn Nichols August 10, 2024August 10, 2024

10 Signs You’re Dealing with a Malignant Narcissist: Understanding and Protecting Yourself Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Detect the Malignant Narcissist… Malignant narcissists are among the most dangerous types of narcissists due to their toxic combination of grandiosity, manipulative behavior, and a lack of empathy. They can cause significant harm to those around them, whether…

Read More 10 Signs You’re Dealing with a Malignant Narcissist: Understanding and Protecting Yourself
Empaths | Personal Growth | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

The Accountability Nightmare: 5 Reasons Why Narcissists Struggle with Guilt and Accountability
ByLynn Nichols August 10, 2024August 10, 2024

The Accountability Nightmare: 5 Reasons Why Narcissists Struggle with Being Held Accountable and Guilt Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Accountability: Have You Ever Tried to Hold A Narcissist Accountable? Narcissists are often characterized by their grandiosity, lack of empathy, and an inflated sense of self-importance. These traits make it incredibly difficult for them to experience…

Read More The Accountability Nightmare: 5 Reasons Why Narcissists Struggle with Guilt and Accountability
Dating | Empaths | Golden Child | Healing and Recovery | Mother | No Contact | Personal Growth | Scapegoat | Spouse/Partner

3 Ways to Heal from the Destructive Influence of Narcissistic Parents and Reclaim Your Life
ByLynn Nichols August 10, 2024August 10, 2024

3 Ways to Heal from the Destructive Influence of Narcissistic Parents and Reclaim Your Life Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Do You Have a Narcissistic Parent? Narcissistic parents can have a profoundly negative impact on their children’s lives, shaping their sense of self, relationships, and overall mental well-being. Growing up with a parent who is…

Read More 3 Ways to Heal from the Destructive Influence of Narcissistic Parents and Reclaim Your Life
Healing and Recovery | Personal Growth

The Impact of Narcissism on Mental Health: Understanding the Long-Term Effects: 10 Essentials to Know
ByLynn Nichols August 10, 2024August 10, 2024

The Impact of Narcissism on Mental Health: Understanding the Long-Term Effects: 10 Essentials to Know Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium How Does Narcissistic Abuse impact Mental Health? Narcissism, particularly in its most extreme forms, can have profound and lasting effects on the mental health of those who interact with narcissistic individuals. Whether in personal relationships,…

Read More The Impact of Narcissism on Mental Health: Understanding the Long-Term Effects: 10 Essentials to Know
Dating | Empaths | Personal Growth | Scapegoat | Tactics and Red Flags

10 Signs You’re Dealing with a Narcissist: How to Spot the Red Flags
ByLynn Nichols August 10, 2024August 10, 2024

10 Signs You’re Dealing with a Narcissist: How to Spot the Red Flags Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Dealing with a Narcissist? Narcissism is more than just self-centeredness or vanity; it’s a complex personality disorder that can have profound effects on those who interact with a narcissist. Whether in a personal relationship, at work, or…

Read More 10 Signs You’re Dealing with a Narcissist: How to Spot the Red Flags
Childfree | Dating | Evangelical Deconstruction | Feminism | Patriarchy | Personal Growth | Spouse/Partner

10 Awkward Statements/Questions You Might Hear from Friends and Relatives if Choosing a Childfree Life
ByLynn Nichols July 21, 2024October 11, 2024

10 Awkward Statements/Questions You Might Hear from Friends and Relatives if Choosing a Childfree Life Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Childfree Life by Choice Challenges If you have chosen to be childfree (childfree by choice) be prepared for the onslaught of questions and statements from close friends, family, even colleagues, sometimes perfect strangers on your…

Read More 10 Awkward Statements/Questions You Might Hear from Friends and Relatives if Choosing a Childfree Life
Personal Growth | Childfree | Dating | Evangelical Deconstruction | Feminism | Patriarchy | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

The Ticking Clock: 5 Ways Why Childfree Women Face Societal Skepticism
ByLynn Nichols July 20, 2024October 11, 2024

The Ticking Clock: 8 Ways Why Childfree Women Face Societal Skepticism Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Childfree by Choice. The societal expectation of motherhood is deeply ingrained. From childhood fairytales to biology textbooks, a woman’s purpose is often framed around procreation. However, a growing number of women are choosing a childfree life, a decision met…

Read More The Ticking Clock: 5 Ways Why Childfree Women Face Societal Skepticism
Patriarchy | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

40 Gaslighting Phrases: Have You Have Heard These Lately?
ByLynn Nichols July 20, 2024July 20, 2024

40 Gaslighting Phrases: Have You Heard These Lately? Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Have we all been gaslit? Gaslighting, a term rooted in psychological manipulation, has become increasingly recognized in discussions about emotional and relational abuse. The term originates from the 1944 film Gaslight, in which a husband manipulates his wife into doubting her own…

Read More 40 Gaslighting Phrases: Have You Have Heard These Lately?
Feminism | Patriarchy | Personal Growth | Tactics and Red Flags

7 Ways Women’s Education Transforms Society and Why It’s Controversial
ByLynn Nichols July 20, 2024October 9, 2024

7 Ways Women’s Education Transforms Society and Why It’s Controversial Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Women’s education has been a transformative force in societies worldwide, reshaping not only individual lives but also entire communities and nations. Despite the evident benefits, there remains resistance to the expansion of educational opportunities for women. Understanding why this resistance…

Read More 7 Ways Women’s Education Transforms Society and Why It’s Controversial
Dating | Feminism | Patriarchy | Personal Growth

Manhood and Masculinity: Evolving Times for Men and 5 Emerging Trends in the Changing Landscape
ByLynn Nichols July 10, 2024May 14, 2025

Manhood and Masculinity: Evolving Times for Men and 5 Emerging Trends in the Changing Landscape Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Table of Contents In recent years, the terms “masculinity” and “toxic masculinity” have become central to discussions about gender roles and societal expectations. While they may seem similar at first glance, they represent vastly different…

Read More Manhood and Masculinity: Evolving Times for Men and 5 Emerging Trends in the Changing Landscape
Empaths | Grief and Loss | Personal Growth | Scapegoat | Tactics and Red Flags

Is Empathy Dying? 5 Ways We Will Explore the Erosion of Compassion in Society
ByLynn Nichols July 6, 2024May 14, 2025

Is Empathy Dying? 5 Ways We Will Explore the Erosion of Compassion in Society Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Is Empathy Dying? Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, has long been considered a cornerstone of a harmonious society. However, there is growing concern that empathy is on the decline, leaving…

Read More Is Empathy Dying? 5 Ways We Will Explore the Erosion of Compassion in Society
Feminism | Patriarchy | Personal Growth

5 Key Things to Know About Intersectional Feminism
ByLynn Nichols July 6, 2024September 10, 2024

5 Key Things to Know About Intersectional Feminism Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Table of Contents Intersectional Feminism – The latest Buzzword? Intersectional feminism is rapidly becoming a popular buzzword, reflecting a growing awareness of the complexities within feminist movements. As more people recognize the importance of addressing overlapping forms of discrimination, the term has…

Read More 5 Key Things to Know About Intersectional Feminism
Patriarchy | Childfree | Evangelical Deconstruction | Feminism | Personal Growth

The Aftermath of the Barbie Movie: Reviewing 3 Trends Including Gender Roles, Feminism, and Cultural Impact
ByLynn Nichols July 6, 2024May 14, 2025

The Barbie Impact: Aftermath of the Barbie Movie: 3 Trends to Explore Including Gender Roles, Feminism, and Cultural Impact Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium The Barbie Impact Months after its release, the Barbie movie continues to make waves, sparking discussions on gender roles, feminism, and societal norms. The film, which reimagines the iconic doll in…

Read More The Aftermath of the Barbie Movie: Reviewing 3 Trends Including Gender Roles, Feminism, and Cultural Impact
Patriarchy | Dating | Evangelical Deconstruction | Feminism | Personal Growth | Spouse/Partner

The Potential Rise of the Matriarchy: Implications for Society and the Global Economy – 5 Shifts to Explore
ByLynn Nichols July 6, 2024September 10, 2024

The Potential Rise of the Matriarchy: 5 Implications for Society and the Global Economy Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium As we move further into the 21st century, societal norms and power structures continue to evolve. Among the most intriguing discussions is the potential rise of the matriarchy—a societal shift where women hold dominant roles in…

Read More The Potential Rise of the Matriarchy: Implications for Society and the Global Economy – 5 Shifts to Explore
Patriarchy | Dating | Empaths | Evangelical Deconstruction | Feminism | Healing and Recovery | Personal Growth | Tactics and Red Flags

The 4B Movement: 4 Key Concepts Behind Its Rise in Korea and the USA
ByLynn Nichols July 6, 2024October 9, 2024

The 4B Movement: 4 Key Concepts Behind Its Rise in Korea and the USA Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium The 4B movement, a feminist-driven phenomenon originating in South Korea, has recently begun to gain traction in the United States. This movement, which emphasizes women’s independence and rejects traditional societal expectations of relationships and gender roles,…

Read More The 4B Movement: 4 Key Concepts Behind Its Rise in Korea and the USA