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self-image

r/raisedbynarcissistsUpdated 30 days ago
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Citations (52)

“Your family misses you, I pray you find your way back”

It was very enraging when they tried to use religion to guilttrip and emotionally manipulate you. Like my mom decided that I was always less religious than her... despite the fact around the mom…

r/raisedbynarcissistscomment4/6/2026
How can I build a personal life that doesn’t depend on other people?

How can I build a personal life that doesn’t depend on other people? — Hi Reddit!! I really need an outside perspective on my situation, because I feel like I’m completely lost in where I’m going and what I actually want from my life… Maybe people who have learned to man…

r/Codependencypost3/18/2026
The illusion of fighting your bad habits

The illusion of fighting your bad habits — Many people define their relationship with a destructive habit by the fact that they are "fighting" it. But the simple act of trying to stop usually fails because it keeps you trapped in a dependent s…

r/selfhelppost3/26/2026
Why do you think the 2 women stopped me (22M) from talking to my friend (31F) ?

Why do you think the 2 women stopped me (22M) from talking to my friend (31F) ? — For context, I (22M) went out with a friend (31F) I had met recently and hooked up with a while back, we stayed friends as she's moving abroad soon and we didn't want to start a serious relationship. …

r/relationship_advicepost4/6/2026
The book Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz

The book Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz — This isn’t motivation. This is a system. The book Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz is not just “self-help.” It’s a precise breakdown of how your mind actually operates. Core idea: You don’t live…

r/lawofattractionpost4/8/2026
My Dad hit me frequently as a child, I've never been able to identify my emotions

My Dad hit me frequently as a child, I've never been able to identify my emotions — I was born mid-90s so around this time it was still considered "normal" to hit your kids. Disgusting, I know, but that was that. My Dad used to spank me as a young child (like under the age of 8 or …

r/raisedbynarcissistspost4/10/2026
I’m not an expert in manifestation, but this is what started making sense to me.

I’m not an expert in manifestation, but this is what started making sense to me. — Most people focus on techniques. Affirmations, scripting, visualizing. I did the same. It didn’t change much. The shift happened when I stopped looking at techniques and looked at self-image. Everyo…

r/lawofattractionpost4/10/2026
Therapy Advice

Therapy Advice — Hello, I am a 25-year-old male, and I have been dealing with mental health problems since I was 15 (around that). I have been in and out of therapy (CBT) and have had many therapists. I have had posit…

r/therapypost4/11/2026
I used affirmations every day. They made me more anxious. Here’s what I didn’t understand.

I used affirmations every day. They made me more anxious. Here’s what I didn’t understand. — Most people think manifesting is just about repeating “I am rich” or “I am happy” until it happens. But have you ever noticed that the more you try, the more anxious you feel? In Psycho-Cybernetics, …

r/lawofattractionpost4/11/2026
Further Uses for the H-Plus Tapes (Human Plus)

Further Uses for the H-Plus Tapes (Human Plus) — I found a memo from The Monroe Institute written by Shirley Bliley in the Summer of 1990, regarding H-Plus and suggesting ways to use the available recordings to achieve additional results. I thought…

r/gatewaytapespost4/11/2026
I hate having a physical body. (Possible tw: depersonalization, body dysmorphia, and/or negative self-image)

I hate having a physical body. (Possible tw: depersonalization, body dysmorphia, and/or negative self-image) — My entire life I've worn jeans, t-shirts, and a hoodie but lately I've been trying to expand my horizons as far as clothing and aesthetics goes. I'm an adult and can wear and present how I want (in th…

r/CPTSDpost4/11/2026
How do I (18M) make my girlfriend (20F) see herself as beautiful as I see her?

How do I (18M) make my girlfriend (20F) see herself as beautiful as I see her? — Sorry if the title is oddly worded, wasn't sure how to phrase it and that was my best attempt at making it sound coherent. Anyways, me and my girlfriend have been together just shy of 1 year as I writ…

r/relationship_advicepost4/11/2026
How to let go of the fact that abusers get to live happily ever after?

How to let go of the fact that abusers get to live happily ever after? — It’s been 4 years since my most traumatic event occurred. Long story short, I (F23) was in a very abusive relationship. He admitted to abusing me and another girl (that I didn’t know about) before me—…

r/CPTSDpost4/12/2026
How is it Like Being an Adult and having to live on Your Own?

How is it Like Being an Adult and having to live on Your Own? — I'm turning 18 in a few months and I'm starting to face the reality that I'll probably have to live on my own soon, I’ve been dependent on my parents forever, but my home life has always been so unsta…

r/CPTSDpost4/13/2026
Bi-Weekly Thread - Advice for Relationship/Friendship/Dating/Breakup

I’m just upset. Partner can’t text for most of the day bc of their work schedule. In that time…well my imagination runs wild. And I run wild across a million subreddits engaging in what is essentially…

r/AnxiousAttachmentcomment9/3/2025
Could venus in square aspect to the rising indicate self-esteem issues?

yeah that square hits hard on self-image, Venus wants beauty but rising blocks the glow-up. Check if Saturn's aspecting too for extra insecurity layers.

r/AskAstrologerscomment3/9/2026
Recorded one conversation a week for a month and it was the most uncomfortable and useful thing I've ever done

This is one of the most effective experiments I've heard of and I think you stumbled on why. The key line: "knowing I'd be listening later made me more intentional." That's not willpower. That's the o…

r/DecidingToBeBettercomment3/10/2026
Times where you introduced a friend to psychedelics for the first time?

A buddy of mine was always curious about psychedelics but said he'd probably never try because "well, drugs. I don't want to be a person who's done drugs" (he has serious self-image issues). But it …

r/Psychonautcomment3/10/2026
Wife (26F) scheduled cosmetic procedures we agreed we wouldn’t do before marriage, using money from our joint account. I’m (28M) struggling with the trust breach.

Who is paying for this surgery? You, or her? You say it's coming from the joint account, so is she essentially stealing your money? If that's the case, then it absolutely is NOT her body, her choice. …

r/relationship_advicecomment3/16/2026
This book has been phenomenal.

“He filters reality in a way that protects his self-image. Moments where he is kind, patient, or generous become proof to himself that he is a good partner. Moments where he is controlling or cruel ar…

r/NarcissisticAbusecomment3/17/2026
How does the narcissist feel inside?

Lol, their anxiety does make them look empty like no other, despite wanting a good self-image. This is because they have fixed mindsets of themselves instead of growth mindsets... They focus on nega…

r/NarcissisticAbusecomment3/19/2026
Anyone else get so frustrated because people always misunderstand you/come to incorrect conclusions about you?

It's the second time yesterday as a researcher that staff at a hotel lobby assumed I was an escort or a drug dealer because I showed up dressed professionally as an attractive Latina woman who looks y…

r/CPTSDcomment3/20/2026
Does anyone know about destiny swapping, star stealing, stealing the glory of people?

You are in no position to assess yourself. No one ever is. You are describing nothing more than classic trauma from a comment which challenged your self-image. It's too easy to look for magical cause…

r/energy_workcomment3/22/2026
My N mom started therapy and her first update made me sick

They don't want to see the light; that's the problem. They'll blindfold themselves and stick their head in the sand just to prevent themselves from seeing the light, because if they did, it would dest…

r/raisedbynarcissistscomment3/23/2026
Which house do you consider when looking at a natal transit?

both for sure. Transiting Pluto in your 3rd hits communication and thinking patterns hard, but the sextile to Jupiter in 1st brings expansion to your self-image and how you show up. Combo tells the fu…

r/AskAstrologerscomment3/25/2026
Daily sticky thread for rants, raves, celebrations, advice and more! - March 25, 2026

I remember we talked when this all went down a few months ago. It has nothing to do with discriminating or judging folks with significant psychological concerns. It has to do with protecting yoursel…

r/datingoverthirtycomment3/26/2026
Need for validation

Yes, you are a primate, and this kind of behavior is typical of primates. Your insecurity and willingness to take risk and exert effort to appear a certain way to others is evolutionarily advantageous…

r/Stoicismcomment3/26/2026
Standing up for yourself

Fighting isn't going to be standing up for yourself, it'll just (maybe) make you feel strong. Standing up for yourself involves having a steady strong self-image with healthy self-worth. You grow conf…

r/selfhelpcomment3/28/2026
Swinging I think has ruined my marriage

This is obviously somewhat apples and oranges, but my (male) spouse started exploring a femme side of his identity, and I convinced myself I could be ok with a lot of things because he was a loyal man…

r/Divorcecomment3/28/2026
My boyfriend (39M) threw his bag at my (33F) face, refused to apologize "because he thought I would block it", then stormed out to leave after I said I just wanted to be alone

He won’t talk to you, because that would mean he’s relinquishing control of the situation. In his mind, he has to stay quiet until you come “crawling back” and he has the upper hand. Some people hav…

r/relationship_advicecomment3/28/2026
Reasons for their Affair?

Cognitive dissonance; the mental discomfort a person feels when their actions (infidelity) conflict with their self-image (being a good, loyal person). To reduce this, they often use excuses, blame-sh…

r/survivinginfidelitycomment3/30/2026
Update: my husband (33M) wants me (33F) to dress more revealing

Her husband's going about it the wrong way, yes, but many (myself included) are picking up on her apparant self-image issues. That negativity can absolutely ruin intimacy and mental health and it's ce…

r/relationship_advicecomment3/30/2026
Update: my husband (33M) wants me (33F) to dress more revealing

Why are you in such a bad mood? We give OP a few tips on how she can see her own self-image a little more positively. Her husband has picked out clothes that do not fit with everyday life and her se…

r/relationship_advicecomment3/30/2026
I really need Help.

These are only my experiences and observations. YMMV. 1. They probably have undiagnosed Cluster B disorders. The list includes: Antisocial Personality Disorder: Marked by a long-term pattern of ma…

r/AsianParentStoriescomment3/31/2026
What’s something about your heartbreak that no one else fully understands?

How much of a lasting impact the cruel words have had on my life/self-image

r/Divorcecomment4/1/2026
Read this if you're miserable and want your ex back.

Once you change, you might see that you weren't meant for each other. Try to avoid seeing them at all if possible. You are gonna still have attachment for awhile even if you think that you don't. A bi…

r/BreakUpscomment4/2/2026
If a skeptic can manifest anything, then so can you.

>Won several writing competitions by telling myself But you are also very good at writing, yes? It strikes me that by ascribing your success to manifestation, you are diminishing your self-image of …

r/Manifestationcomment4/4/2026
My(20F) boyfriend(19M) says our sex is bad and has made me insecure beyond repair

Your boyfriend isn't worth holding onto............You need to cut loose of him as he is taking a huge toll on your self-esteem and self-image. I wouldn't be with any little pissant who dared say such…

r/relationship_advicecomment4/5/2026
A memory I think of often.

"It's fucking insane." Reading that line gave me an instant flashback to one of the few times I tried to confront my mom (before I realized how futile it was). We were sitting on a bench and she star…

r/EmotionalNeglectcomment4/6/2026
What is your relationship with your parents after you moved out?

The narc's "precious" is their self-image, according to which they are superior to everyone else. She needs to feel superior to you so she complains about you non-stop -- which makes her feel better …

r/raisedbynarcissistscomment4/6/2026
I wasted 3 years of my life now looking to break the cycle

Brother, 21 is not “life wasted.” It feels huge from inside the hole, but in actual time, you are still at the beginning. What you described sounds less like “it’s over” and more like someone who has …

r/selfhelpcomment4/6/2026
If my parents had a button that killed my consciousness, they would push it.

Sorry I flipped the quote around when I typed initially, but I fixed it now with the original comment haha. Your dad sounds so pathetic and delusional lmao. Looks like he wants a family hive mind ma…

r/EmotionalNeglectcomment4/9/2026
Asian parents and haircuts.

I’m also autistic. Also had my hair cut against my will by my crazy shitty mother when I was your age. My hair had been waist long and thick too, and she had it cut into this super ugly super short sh…

r/AsianParentStoriescomment4/9/2026
I used affirmations every day. They made me more anxious. Here’s what I didn’t understand.

You are right about Dr. Joe Dispenza—his work is considered a key reference for linking quantum physics to the concept of manifestation. However, the idea of a “45-day reset” (similar to Maxwell Malt…

r/lawofattractioncomment4/11/2026
I used affirmations every day. They made me more anxious. Here’s what I didn’t understand.

u/Born-in-divinity **:** i love your perspective, and I actually think we’re saying the same thing from two different angles. You’re 100% right: the Law of Belief is the ultimate law, and if you can …

r/lawofattractioncomment4/11/2026
Why Real Change Starts With Identity, Not Habits

Most people try to change through habits alone, but habits usually don’t last when your identity stays the same. You can force yourself to wake up early, work out, or be productive for a few days. Bu…

r/selfhelpcomment4/11/2026
Need Help for achieving physical results.

Most people in that space struggle not because “it doesn’t work,” but because they’re stuck in wanting instead of having; the pattern you see over and over is that results come when someone shifts int…

r/lawofattractioncomment4/11/2026
I used affirmations every day. They made me more anxious. Here’s what I didn’t understand.

Good point — there’s a clear overlap with Neville’s Mental Diet concept in Neville Goddard. However, Maxwell Maltz explains that the main issue is not just changing thoughts, but updating the self-im…

r/lawofattractioncomment4/12/2026
Why is my narcissistic mum so obsessed with my appearance?

It's because you're an extension of her and her image, but her self-image is so imperfect on the inside that you have to look perfect on the outside.

r/raisedbynarcissistscomment4/12/2026
Marcus Aurelius wrote "look inward" constantly. What's the thing about yourself you suspect you still can't see?

the one i keep catching myself running: calling withdrawal "independence." stepping back from people and framing it as self-sufficiency, when really it's just avoidance wearing a stoic mask.\n\nEpicte…

r/Stoicismcomment4/12/2026
Why is my narcissistic mum so obsessed with my appearance?

She views you as an extension of herself. A lot of it is vanity and she sees you as an extension of herself, and it’s all about self-image to them. They’ll do what they can to control your appearance …

r/raisedbynarcissistscomment4/12/2026
Am I wrong for getting the ick when someone’s been in a relationship before?

No one shares the same experience in anything. We are different individuals and experience things differently cuz we‘ve lived different lives. What you desire is an illusion. I understand it’s scary, …

r/relationshipscomment4/13/2026