Narcissism Glossary
Confusion between two clashing beliefs (cognitive dissonance)
🤔 Cognitive dissonance is the psychological turmoil of trying to hold two clashing facts or contradictory realities at once.
When their tenderness and their wounding behavior keep colliding, you find yourself excusing their wrongs — or doubting your own judgment: "did I get it wrong?"
When their tenderness and their wounding behavior keep colliding, you find yourself excusing their wrongs — or doubting your own judgment: "did I get it wrong?"
Often seen in situations like these
💭 'They said they loved me... there must be some other reason they act this way.'
💭 'They're not bad — I must have provoked them by not being enough.'
💭 Even facing a confirmed lie: 'I must have seen it wrong,' and the self-doubt returns.
💭 'They're not bad — I must have provoked them by not being enough.'
💭 Even facing a confirmed lie: 'I must have seen it wrong,' and the self-doubt returns.
When this happens, try this
💡 Before ruling on their intent, record separately the dates, the words actually exchanged, and the behavior that followed. Judge by the repeated pattern, not any single scene.