Tactics and Red Flags

Learn about the tactics narcissists use to devalue, discard, manipulate and more.

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 6, 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 | Dating | Feminism | Patriarchy | Tactics and Red Flags

How to Recognize Covert Sabotage: Discovering 5 Invisible Tactics That Can Undermine Women Successes
ByLynn Nichols July 30, 2025July 30, 2025

The following is a transcript of our podcast episode 100, a milestone podcast. 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 updates on our Substack. Join us there to go…

Read More How to Recognize Covert Sabotage: Discovering 5 Invisible Tactics That Can Undermine Women Successes
Scapegoat | Feminism | Patriarchy | Tactics and Red Flags

Podcast Episode 82: Ambition is Not a Dirty Word: Encouraging Women to Dream Big Even Despite Recent Setbacks
ByLynn Nichols July 13, 2025July 13, 2025

Do you have ambition? The following is a transcript from the Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast Podcast: Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast Host: Lynn Nichols Listen Here Episode 82: Lynn is a heartfelt advocate for personal growth and empowerment, and writes with raw insight on navigating narcissistic abuse, toxic relationships, and sometimes the societal challenges tied to the…

Read More Podcast Episode 82: Ambition is Not a Dirty Word: Encouraging Women to Dream Big Even Despite Recent Setbacks
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 | Dating | Patriarchy | Personal Growth | Tactics and Red Flags

Why Is Respect Still So Hard for Some Men? A Real Conversation About Gender, Power, and the Patriarchy
ByLynn Nichols May 15, 2025May 16, 2025

Why Is Respect for Women Still So Hard for Some Men? A Real Conversation About Gender, Power, and the Patriarchy Podcast Facebook Youtube Instagram X-twitter Medium Respect for Women We’ve made progress — or at least that’s what we like to think. Women are breaking barriers, leading boardrooms, owning their voices, and showing up in…

Read More Why Is Respect Still So Hard for Some Men? A Real Conversation About Gender, Power, and the Patriarchy
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
Personal Growth | Feminism | Patriarchy | Tactics and Red Flags

How the Patriarchy Has Failed Men: Unpacking the Promises and Consequences
ByLynn Nichols April 22, 2025April 24, 2025

How the Patriarchy Has Failed Men: Unpacking the Promises and Consequences From Emotional Repression to Broken Relationships — How the System Built for Men Is Quietly Breaking Them Medium Patriarchy has Failed. For generations, society has operated under a patriarchal framework that promised men a life of privilege and power. A family to call their own, a stable…

Read More How the Patriarchy Has Failed Men: Unpacking the Promises and Consequences
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
Dating | Empaths | Feminism | Healing and Recovery | Personal Growth | Tactics and Red Flags

61 Ways that You May be Emotionally Manipulated and Not Even Realize It
ByLynn Nichols September 27, 2024October 9, 2024

61 Ways that You May be Emotionally Manipulated and Not Even Realize It Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Emotional Manipulation Emotional manipulation can be so subtle that it’s often difficult to detect. Manipulators use a variety of tactics to control or influence someone’s emotions for their own gain, often leaving the victim feeling confused, disoriented,…

Read More 61 Ways that You May be Emotionally Manipulated and Not Even Realize It
Dating | Childfree | Evangelical Deconstruction | Feminism | Healing and Recovery | Patriarchy | Personal Growth | Tactics and Red Flags

10 Hidden Barriers: What’s Often Withheld from Women and How to Overcome Them
ByLynn Nichols September 11, 2024October 19, 2024

18 Hidden Barriers: What’s Often Withheld from Women and How to Overcome Them Podcast Facebook Youtube Instagram X-twitter Medium Can You Believe The Following has been WIthheld from Women? In today’s world, while significant strides have been made toward gender equality, women still face various hidden barriers that can impede their access to opportunities and…

Read More 10 Hidden Barriers: What’s Often Withheld from Women and How to Overcome Them
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 | Mother | No Contact | Personal Growth | Tactics and Red Flags

5 Negative Traits of Narcissistic Parents: Breaking the Cycle of Childhood Trauma
ByLynn Nichols August 16, 2024August 16, 2024

5 Negative Traits of Narcissistic Parents: Breaking the Cycle of Childhood Trauma Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Traits of Narcissistic Parents Narcissistic parenting can have a profoundly negative impact on a child’s mental and emotional development. Often, the damage inflicted by a narcissistic parent is carried into adulthood, influencing relationships, self-esteem, and mental health. This…

Read More 5 Negative Traits of Narcissistic Parents: Breaking the Cycle of Childhood Trauma
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
Personal Growth | Scapegoat | Tactics and Red Flags

5 Ways Narcissists Create Chaos: Understanding the Cycle of Abuse and Control
ByLynn Nichols August 11, 2024

5 Ways Narcissists Create Chaos: Understanding the Cycle of Abuse and Control Facebook Youtube Instagram Twitter Medium Why is there so much chaos? Narcissists are known for their ability to create chaos in the lives of those around them, often leaving a trail of emotional devastation. This chaos isn’t accidental; it’s a calculated strategy used…

Read More 5 Ways Narcissists Create Chaos: Understanding the Cycle of Abuse and Control
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