Narcissist Behavior Q&A
🎭 Model parents in public, different behind the door
However glowing their reputation as parents, it cannot justify the unjust treatment inflicted on you at home.
The short answer
Other people's praise doesn't undo what happened at home.
Scenes like this
- Warm in public; dismissive and shouting at home.
- You asked for help and heard only "they would never."
How to tell the difference
Weigh what actually happened at home over the public reputation. Check separately whether anything dangerous is happening now.
When this happens, try this
- Record the dates and exact words of the abuse or unjust control that happened at home, as they occurred.
- Don't wear yourself out litigating their public image — find one person who will hold your pain and truly listen.