Spouse/Partner

Have you been in a relationship with a narcissist? In these articles, we share information that may help you to recover from a spouse or partner who exemplified narcissistic traits.

Patriarchy | Evangelical Deconstruction | Feminism | Financial Recovery | Personal Growth | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

Ep 103 The Awakening: How Narcissistic Abuse Patterns Are Embedded in Every System Women Face
ByLynn Nichols September 5, 2025September 7, 2025

Podcast Episode: The Awakening – When You Realize It’s Not Just Your Partner A journey from personal pain to systemic understanding Podcast: Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast Host: Lynn Nichols Follow our work beyond the podcast: We publish essays and insights on Medium through our Moving Forward with Hope publication, and you can also find additional content and community…

Read More Ep 103 The Awakening: How Narcissistic Abuse Patterns Are Embedded in Every System Women Face
Scapegoat | Feminism | Patriarchy | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

Alexithymia and Patriarchy: When Men Can’t Name Their Feelings, Everyone Pays the Price – 3 Scary Essentials
ByLynn Nichols August 1, 2025September 2, 2025

How Cultural Conditioning Suppresses Emotion, Undermines Intimacy, and Perpetuates Psychological Harm Alexithymia: Is this happening in your relationship? The following is a brief section of our transcript of our podcast episode – Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast. Get the full episode here. Host: Lynn Follow our work beyond the podcast: We publish essays and insights on Medium…

Read More Alexithymia and Patriarchy: When Men Can’t Name Their Feelings, Everyone Pays the Price – 3 Scary Essentials
Personal Growth | Childfree | Empaths | Exit Plan | Feminism | Financial Recovery | Healing and Recovery | Patriarchy | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

Sympathetic Character: Hidden Rage Women Were Never Allowed to Express (Ep 95)
ByLynn Nichols July 4, 2025July 4, 2025

How Alanis Morissette Exposed What Women Really Experience with Men Sympathetic Character – Have you heard? In 1998, one song said what we were all thinking but afraid to say out loud I remember the first time I really heard “Sympathetic Character.” Not just listened to it, but actually heard what Alanis was saying. I was probably…

Read More Sympathetic Character: Hidden Rage Women Were Never Allowed to Express (Ep 95)
Scapegoat | Feminism | Patriarchy | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

Ep 94 When Care Becomes Control: Recognizing Unhealthy Patterns in Loving Relationships
ByLynn Nichols July 3, 2025July 3, 2025

The Hidden Difference Between Supportive Partnership and Emotional Control When care becomes control? Follow our work beyond the podcast: We publish essays and insights on Medium through our Moving Forward with Hope publication, and you can also find additional content and community updates on our Substack. Join us there to go deeper, connect with others, and support the…

Read More Ep 94 When Care Becomes Control: Recognizing Unhealthy Patterns in Loving Relationships
Patriarchy | Feminism | Personal Growth | Scapegoat | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

The Silent Brotherhood: How Men’s Loyalty to Each Other Remains Hidden from Women 6 Ways
ByLynn Nichols June 4, 2025June 28, 2025

Uncovering the Hidden Code of Male Respect, Emotional Hierarchies, and Why Women Are Often Second in Line The following is from a recent episode of the podcast. The Silent Brotherhood Welcome back to the Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast, where we discuss the power structures that shape our relationships, identities, and expectations—often without us even realizing…

Read More The Silent Brotherhood: How Men’s Loyalty to Each Other Remains Hidden from Women 6 Ways
Feminism | Childfree | Dating | Patriarchy | Personal Growth | Spouse/Partner

Pick Me Culture: 3 Ways It Has Slowed Women’s Progression and Sidetracked Professional Growth
ByLynn Nichols May 19, 2025May 30, 2025

Women, you have been lied to.

Before we get into the meat of this article, please be aware that you might spit out your gum, and then stare at the wall for a while after reading this article, because you may be in shock for a bit.

Someone has to say this.

Without further ado, let’s get to it…

Read More Pick Me Culture: 3 Ways It Has Slowed Women’s Progression and Sidetracked Professional Growth
Personal Growth | Feminism | Patriarchy | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

Why He Can’t Find the Dishwasher: 8+ How Patriarchy Fuels Men’s Resistance to Housework
ByLynn Nichols April 22, 2025May 14, 2025

Why He Can’t Find the Dishwasher: 8+ How Patriarchy Fuels Men’s Resistance to Housework It’s Not About the Chores — It’s About Control, Conditioning, and the Quiet Power Struggle at Home Medium Resistance to Housework In recent years, the dynamics of household responsibilities have dramatically shifted, leading to evolving expectations around gender roles. Women, who…

Read More Why He Can’t Find the Dishwasher: 8+ How Patriarchy Fuels Men’s Resistance to Housework
Dating | Empaths | Feminism | Healing and Recovery | Patriarchy | Personal Growth | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

Did He Try to Sabotage You? 10 Ways He May Try to Thwart and Undermine Your Independence
ByLynn Nichols January 24, 2025January 24, 2025

Did He Try to Sabotage You? 10 Ways He May Try to Thwart and Undermine Your Independence Podcast Facebook Youtube Instagram X-twitter Medium Sabotage – Did This Happen to You? Relationships—the place where we’re supposed to find partnership, respect, and mutual growth. Yet, for some women, it can feel more like a maze of subtle…

Read More Did He Try to Sabotage You? 10 Ways He May Try to Thwart and Undermine Your Independence
Dating | Feminism | Healing and Recovery | Patriarchy | Personal Growth | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

Why Standing Up for Yourself Can Feel Wrong in Toxic Relationships: 3 Life Take-Aways to Know
ByLynn Nichols September 29, 2024October 14, 2024

Why Standing Up for Yourself Can Feel Wrong in Toxic Relationships: 3 Life Takeaways to Know Plus How Societal Gender Roles in a Patriarchal Culture impact women’s Self-Advocacy Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium In toxic relationships, standing up for yourself can feel like you’re doing something wrong. This feeling of guilt or discomfort often arises…

Read More Why Standing Up for Yourself Can Feel Wrong in Toxic Relationships: 3 Life Take-Aways to Know
Dating | Feminism | Patriarchy | Personal Growth | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

17 Signs You May Be in a Toxic Dating Relationship
ByLynn Nichols September 28, 2024October 9, 2024

17 Signs You May Be in a Toxic Dating Relationship Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Toxic relationships are more common than many people realize. In the beginning, they may seem like any other relationship—filled with love, excitement, and connection. But over time, subtle behaviors start to emerge that can erode the very foundation of trust…

Read More 17 Signs You May Be in a Toxic Dating Relationship
Empaths | Personal Growth | Scapegoat | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

7 Essential Ways to Break the Cycle of Narcissism and Codependency: Achieving a Positive Breakthrough
ByLynn Nichols August 16, 2024August 16, 2024

7 Essential Ways to Break the Cycle of Narcissism and Codependency: Achieving a Positive Breakthrough Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Breakthrough Narcissism and codependency often form a toxic and damaging cycle in relationships. Codependent individuals tend to lose themselves in serving others, while narcissists exploit this tendency to fulfill their own needs for control and…

Read More 7 Essential Ways to Break the Cycle of Narcissism and Codependency: Achieving a Positive Breakthrough
Dating | Empaths | Feminism | No Contact | Patriarchy | Personal Growth | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

7 Crucial Legal and Emotional Strategies to Deal with a Narcissist in a Divorce
ByLynn Nichols August 16, 2024May 14, 2025

7 Crucial Legal and Emotional Strategies to Deal with a Narcissist in a Divorce Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Narcissist in a Divorce Divorcing a narcissist presents unique challenges, both legally and emotionally. Narcissists are often manipulative, vindictive, and unwilling to compromise, making the divorce process more painful and difficult. However, with the right strategies…

Read More 7 Crucial Legal and Emotional Strategies to Deal with a Narcissist in a Divorce
Empaths | Healing and Recovery | Personal Growth | Scapegoat | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

10 Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder: How to Identify the Red Flags
ByLynn Nichols August 16, 2024August 16, 2024

How to Identify the Red Flags: 10 Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Identify the Red Flags Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a complex and often misunderstood psychological condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy, and a need for excessive admiration. Recognizing the signs of NPD…

Read More 10 Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder: How to Identify the Red Flags
Dating | Empaths | Healing and Recovery | Personal Growth | Scapegoat | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

10 Effective Strategies for Setting Boundaries with a Narcissist
ByLynn Nichols August 11, 2024August 16, 2024

10 Effective Strategies for Setting Boundaries with a Narcissist Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Setting Boundaries: Does it Work? Setting boundaries with a narcissist can be challenging, but it’s essential for maintaining your mental health and personal well-being. Narcissists often push limits and test boundaries to assert control, making it crucial to establish clear, consistent,…

Read More 10 Effective Strategies for Setting Boundaries with a Narcissist
Empaths | Healing and Recovery | Personal Growth | Spouse/Partner | Tactics and Red Flags

7 Crucial Facts Why Narcissists Struggle with Empathy: The Science Behind Their Behavior
ByLynn Nichols August 11, 2024October 9, 2024

7 Crucial Facts About Why Narcissists Struggle with Empathy: The Science Behind Their Behavior Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Why Do Narcissists Struggle with Empathy? Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a cornerstone of healthy relationships and social interactions. However, narcissists often exhibit a marked lack of empathy, making…

Read More 7 Crucial Facts Why Narcissists Struggle with Empathy: The Science Behind Their Behavior
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
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