James Thornton 
At first, love bombing feels magical. You meet someone, and the connection is instant. They text you constantly, shower you with compliments, and make bold promises. You feel seen, valued, and wanted. It seems too good to be true—and often, it is. Love bombing is a manipulation tactic disguised as affection. It’s often used by … Read more
Gaslighting is more than just lying or manipulation. It’s a calculated and ongoing effort to make someone question their reality, memory, or emotions. When done effectively, gaslighting breaks down your sense of self and replaces it with the abuser’s version of the truth. Over time, it can make even the most confident person feel confused, … Read more
Narcissistic abuse doesn’t start with insults, manipulation, or gaslighting—it begins with admiration, charm, and intense affection. This early stage, known as the idealization phase, is what draws many people in. It’s a period marked by flattery, deep connection, and what feels like the beginning of a perfect relationship. But beneath this glowing surface lies a … Read more
Raising children is one of the most rewarding and challenging roles a person can take on. As parents, we want to nurture confident, independent kids who are emotionally secure and respectful of others. But in today’s world—where praise is abundant, boundaries are blurred, and self-focus is often encouraged—it’s easy to unintentionally steer a child toward … Read more
The word “narcissist” often brings to mind someone self-absorbed, controlling, and emotionally distant. But when you’re emotionally involved with a narcissist—whether as a partner, child, or friend—one question becomes especially painful and confusing: Can narcissists truly experience love? At first glance, the answer might seem obvious. Narcissists are often described as cold, self-centered, or emotionally … Read more
Narcissistic abuse follows a predictable cycle—idealize, devalue, and discard. While the idealization phase is filled with flattery, attention, and intense affection, the devaluation phase is where the true nature of the narcissist begins to show. This stage is marked by confusion, emotional instability, and growing self-doubt for the victim. The person who once made you … Read more
Marriage is often seen as a partnership—emotionally, legally, and financially. But when you’re married to a narcissist, the sense of partnership can quickly turn into a one-sided arrangement that benefits them at your expense. While many people recognize the emotional manipulation that comes with narcissistic relationships, the financial consequences are often overlooked until it’s too … Read more
Possessiveness in relationships can sometimes be mistaken for love. A partner who wants to spend all their time with you, constantly checks in, or says things like, “You’re mine and only mine,” might initially seem passionate or deeply invested. But when these behaviors come from a narcissist, they aren’t about love—they’re about control. A possessive … Read more
Narcissism is a personality trait that many associate with younger individuals—especially those who seem overly confident, self-centered, or addicted to attention. But what happens when someone who seemed relatively balanced earlier in life begins to show signs of narcissistic behavior as they age? Can a person actually develop narcissistic tendencies later in life, or is … Read more
Setting boundaries is never easy—especially when the person you need boundaries with is your own mother. It becomes even more complicated when that mother is elderly and displays narcissistic behavior. You may feel torn between your sense of duty and the emotional toll her behavior takes on your life. It’s a delicate balance, and one … Read more