Number 2: Over-showering
On the other hand, narcissistic abuse will get you over-showering, as if you’re auditioning for a commercial soap ad. You’re attempting to wash away all the toxic energy, wash off bad vibes. Psychologist Dr. Judith Orloff explains how narcissistic abuse may leave you feeling so emotionally dirty that you believe a 30-minute shower is somehow going to magically heal you. Spoiler: it won’t. It makes sense when you’re dealing with all that gaslighting and manipulation, sometimes the only thing you can seem to hold on to is how squeaky clean you are, even though you’re washing off more stress than grime.
Number 3: Maintaining the same toothbrush for months without ever replacing it.
After suffering from narcissistic abuse, you may be keeping the same toothbrush for months, like it is some sort of token. It’s not that you’re attempting to save money or initiate some new minimalist trend; it’s simply that your brain is so jumbled that replacing it appears to be one of those “I’ll do it tomorrow” jobs that never gets done. Narcissistic abuse, Dr. Ramani Durvasula says, can have you so dazed that even the simplest of choices appears daunting. And besides, when you’re a mess emotionally, what’s a little extra day of using a toothbrush that’s not up to par anymore, you know?
Number 4: Brushing teeth too much
Following narcissistic abuse, you may be overbrushing your teeth, as you are having some type of toothpaste commercial marathons. In reality, you’re trying to scrub out all that emotional dirt and gaslighting debris. Dr. Cherise Stein, a therapist who specializes in working with victims of narcissistic abuse, explains to us that abuse survivors will often develop rituals to combat feelings of being powerless. Brushing your teeth a lot becomes clean and being in control when the rest of your life is disorganized. Yes, it won’t end all of the mind games, but at least your teeth are sparkling. But seriously, it’s your brain’s attempt at coping with all the stress you’re just crossing your fingers that minty-fresh breath will help things feel tolerable, however.
You may also want to read this:
7 Signs That A Narcissist Is Done With You
What Happens To Narcissists When They Get Older?
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