Narcissists are masters of illusion. They construct a carefully curated #persona designed “to be seen to be one thing” — often charming, capable, or altruistic — while their real intentions are rooted in #manipulation, control, or self-preservation.
The danger lies in the #incongruence: what they say and how they present may appear polished and positive, but your nervous system often tells you something else is true.
This internal signal is called #neuroception — your body’s ability to detect safety or threat without conscious awareness. You might notice a subtle sense of unease around someone who smiles warmly or praises you. That discomfort isn’t paranoia — it’s #perception. The energy beneath their words doesn’t match, and your body knows it.
Narcissists are often deeply threatened by traits they lack or can’t control — such as your compassion, honesty, decency, competence, or emotional insight. Instead of valuing those qualities, they may #covertly shame or #undermine you for them. It’s not that you’re doing anything wrong — it’s that you’re doing something right, and they can’t tolerate it.
Rather than offering support or constructive feedback, a narcissist may subtly erode your confidence while appearing helpful or concerned. Over time, this kind of emotional gaslighting can distort your self-perception and make you question your worth, your instincts, and even your sanity.
What they say to your face and what they say behind your back are rarely the same. Make sure the people in your life speak well of you in the rooms you’re not in, as well as the ones you are.
The harsh truth? Narcissists are often not just tolerated — they are rewarded and maintained in leadership roles within certain organisations, especially where image, loyalty, and hierarchy are prioritised over relational safety, truth, and psychological integrity.
These environments can be deeply #unsafe for empathic, emotionally intelligent people who care about doing good work. If you’ve ever felt like you had to shrink to survive, your nervous system was likely responding to that very #incongruence.
Before applying for any role, investigate the culture of the organisation. Talk to people who’ve worked there. Pay attention to how staff relate to one another — not just how leaders speak about values, but whether those values are lived. A healthy workplace won’t require you to betray your instincts in order to belong.
#STAND
#Grooming
#NarcissisticAbuse
#ToxicWorkplace
#Gaslighting
#Incongruence
#EmotionalManipulation
#Neuroception
#TraumaInformed
#YourBodyKnows
#TrustYourInstincts
#PsychologicalSafety
#ProtectYourPeace
#EmpathsInTheWorkplace
#EnergyNeverLies
#IntegrityMatters
#AuthenticLeadership
#SpeakUpStandStrong
#KnowTheSigns
#RealOverPerfect
#CompassionIsStrength
#HiddenAbuse
#StandUpToShame
#SurvivorWisdom
#APositiveStart
#STANDStrong
#ParentsAsProtectors