7 Signs You Have a Fake Friend (Narcissistic & Toxic Friendship Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore)

Friendships are supposed to bring support, laughter, trust and a sense of belonging. A genuine friend wants to see you succeed, listens when you are struggling, and values you for who you are — not just for what you can provide.

But sometimes we find ourselves in friendships that leave us feeling drained, confused, or constantly questioning where we stand. The hardest part about recognising a fake friend is that the behaviour is not always obvious. They may appear caring at times, which can make it difficult to understand why the friendship feels so one-sided.

Some people with strong narcissistic traits may create friendships based around attention, validation, control, or what they can gain from the relationship. While not every difficult friend is a narcissist, recognising unhealthy patterns can help you protect your emotional wellbeing.

How To Heal From Narcissistic Abuse: A CBT Recovery Program A structured, step-by-step healing program designed to help you rebuild your confidence, regulate triggers, and break trauma bonds using practical CBT-based tools. Learn how to reframe toxic thought patterns, strengthen emotional boundaries, and regain control of your life.

The Things Narcissists Teach Us About Ourselves: Finding Self-Worth, Healthy Boundaries, Healing & Freedom After Narcissistic Abuse Transform your pain into growth by rebuilding self-worth, strengthening boundaries, healing emotional wounds, and creating a life beyond narcissistic abuse.

Here are 7 signs you may be dealing with a fake friend.

1. They Only Contact You When They Need Something

One of the biggest signs of a fake friendship is when the relationship feels completely one-sided.

They message when they need advice.
They call when they have a problem.
They appear when they need support, a favour, or emotional reassurance.

But when you need them, they suddenly become unavailable.

You may notice that you spend a lot of time listening to their problems, supporting their goals, and helping them through difficult situations — yet your own feelings and experiences receive very little attention.

A healthy friendship involves balance. Both people should feel valued, heard and supported.

A fake friend often sees your kindness as something they can access whenever it benefits them.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

2. They Talk Behind Your Back

Pay attention to how someone talks about other people when they are not present.

If someone constantly gossips, criticises others, shares private information, or enjoys exposing people’s weaknesses, it is worth considering whether they may do the same to you.

Fake friends often create connection through negativity. They may make you feel like you are part of an “exclusive group” by sharing someone else’s personal information.

But trust is built on respect.

A person who regularly breaks other people’s confidence may eventually break yours too.

Some people with narcissistic traits may also use gossip as a way to control how others see people, protect their own image, or gain attention.

3. Their Compliments Feel Fake or Have a Hidden Criticism

A genuine friend celebrates you.

They are happy when you achieve something.
They encourage you when you try something new.
They make you feel appreciated.

A fake friend may give compliments that leave you feeling uncomfortable.

For example:

“You actually look good today.”

“I’m surprised you managed that.”

“You’re lucky that worked out.”

On the surface, these may sound positive, but there is often a hidden message underneath.

Instead of making you feel valued, the comment subtly puts you down.

This type of behaviour can slowly damage your confidence because you start looking for approval from someone who keeps giving mixed messages.

A real friend does not need to reduce you in order to feel good about themselves.

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4. They Never Take Responsibility

Everyone makes mistakes. Healthy friendships involve apologies, accountability and a willingness to understand each other.

A fake friend, however, may struggle to admit when they are wrong.

Instead of saying:

“I’m sorry, I should have handled that differently,”

they may say:

“You’re too sensitive.”

“You misunderstood.”

“You’re the reason there’s a problem.”

The focus shifts away from their behaviour and onto your reaction.

This can leave you constantly defending yourself and questioning whether you are the problem.

People with narcissistic traits may particularly struggle with accountability because admitting fault can feel like a threat to their self-image.

5. They Don’t Really Listen to You

A friendship should be a two-way conversation.

Do they ask about your life?
Do they remember things that matter to you?
Do they care about your feelings?

Or does every conversation somehow come back to them?

Fake friends often enjoy having someone who listens, but they are not interested in offering the same support in return.

You may notice that your achievements are quickly ignored, your problems are minimised, or your emotions are redirected back to their experiences.

Over time, this can make you feel invisible.

Being heard is one of the most basic parts of a healthy relationship.

6. They Exclude You or Make You Feel Like an Option

Everyone gets busy. Plans sometimes change. Life happens.

But there is a difference between occasional cancellations and a repeated pattern of feeling like you are not a priority.

A fake friend may:

Forget plans regularly
Leave you out of events
Only invite you when others are unavailable
Make you feel like you have to earn your place

You may find yourself constantly trying to prove your value or wondering why they do not make the same effort you do.

A genuine friendship does not leave you feeling like you are competing for someone’s attention.

7. They Only Value You When You Are Useful

One of the clearest signs of a fake friendship is when someone’s attitude changes depending on what you can offer them.

They may appreciate your support, your connections, your advice, your time, or your generosity.

But when you set boundaries or stop giving as much, their behaviour changes.

Suddenly:

You are called selfish.
They become distant.
They lose interest.
They make you feel guilty.

A healthy friend respects your boundaries.

A fake friend often dislikes boundaries because boundaries remove the benefits they were receiving.

Learning to Recognise the Difference Between Friendship and Emotional Drain

Real friendships should not leave you constantly anxious, exhausted, or questioning your worth.

You should not have to:

Beg for basic respect.
Constantly prove your loyalty.
Ignore your own feelings to keep someone happy.
Accept disrespect because you are afraid of losing the relationship.

Sometimes the hardest part of recognising a fake friend is accepting that the connection you hoped for is not the connection you actually have.

Walking away from unhealthy friendships can be painful, especially when you remember the good moments. But history alone does not make a relationship healthy.

The right people will not only enjoy what you give them — they will appreciate who you are.

Healthy friendships are built on:

Mutual respect
Trust
Honesty
Support
Genuine care

You deserve friendships where you feel valued, not used. Where you feel accepted, not judged. And where your happiness is celebrated, not threatened.

Sometimes losing a fake friend creates space for relationships that are real.

Check these out!

7 Signs You Have a Fake Friend (Narcissistic & Toxic Friendship Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore)

Behind The Mask: The Rise Of A Narcissist

15 Rules To Deal With Narcissistic People.: How To Stay Sane And Break The Chain.

✨ The Things Narcissists Teach Us About Ourselves: Finding Self-Worth, Healthy Boundaries, Healing & Freedom After Narcissistic Abuse Transform your pain into growth by rebuilding self-worth, strengthening boundaries, healing emotional wounds, and creating a life beyond narcissistic abuse.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

Boundaries with Narcissists: Safeguarding Emotional, Psychological, and Physical Independence.

Healing from Narcissistic Abuse: A Guided Journal for Recovery and Empowerment: Reclaim Your Identity, Build Self-Esteem, and Embrace a Brighter Future

(Sponsored.). https://betterhelp.com/elizabethshaw

Advertisements

Click on the links below to join Elizabeth Shaw – Life Coach, on social media for more information on Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse.

The online courses are available by Elizabeth Shaw.

🧠 How To Heal From Narcissistic Abuse: A CBT Recovery Program A structured, step-by-step healing program designed to help you rebuild your confidence, regulate triggers, and break trauma bonds using practical CBT-based tools. Learn how to reframe toxic thought patterns, strengthen emotional boundaries, and regain control of your life.

👉 Start your recovery journey here: https://overcoming-narcissist-abuse.teachable.com/l/pdp/how-to-heal-from-narcissistic-abuse-a-cbt-recovery-program

For the full course.

Click here to sign up for the full, Break Free From Narcissistic Abuse, with a link in the course to a free, hidden online support group with fellow survivors.

For the free course.

Click here to sign up for the free online starter course.

To help with overcoming the trauma bond and anxiety course.

Click here for the online course to help you break the trauma bond, and those anxiety triggers.

All about the narcissist Online course.

Click here to learn more about the narcissist personality disorder.

The narcissists counter-parenting.

Click here for more information on recovery from narcissistic abuse, and information on co-parenting with a narcissist.

Elizabeth Shaw is not a Doctor or a therapist. She is a mother of five, a blogger, a survivor of narcissistic abuse, and a life coach, She always recommends you get the support you feel comfortable and happy with. Finding the right support for you. Elizabeth has partnered with BetterHelp (Sponsored.) where you will be matched with a licensed councillor, who specialises in recovery from this kind of abuse.

Click here for Elizabeth Shaw’s Recommended reading list for more information on recovery from narcissistic abuse.

7 Things Narcissists Hate Losing Control Over

7 Things Narcissistic People Can’t Stand About You When You Start Healing

Have you ever noticed that someone seems uncomfortable when you become happier, more confident, or more independent?

Sometimes the very things that represent your growth are the things that challenge unhealthy relationship dynamics.

When you have spent time around narcissistic or emotionally unhealthy behaviour, you may have learned to prioritise someone else’s feelings, seek their approval, or constantly adjust yourself to avoid conflict. But healing changes that.

As you rebuild your confidence and reconnect with yourself, the dynamic can shift. The things you once apologised for — your boundaries, your independence, your happiness — can become the very things that protect you.

Here are seven things narcissistic people may struggle with when you start becoming the strongest version of yourself.

1. Your Happiness — Especially When They Aren’t The Reason For It

One of the biggest changes after healing is realising that your happiness does not have to come from someone else.

In unhealthy relationships, your emotional state may have become connected to another person’s approval, attention, or mood. You may have felt happy when things were good between you and anxious when they were distant or unhappy.

When you begin finding happiness within yourself, it changes the dynamic.

Your joy may come from your friendships, hobbies, goals, personal growth, or simply feeling comfortable in your own life.

Someone who was used to having influence over your emotions may struggle when they realise they are no longer the centre of your world.

Your happiness is not something someone else should control.

You are allowed to enjoy your life without needing permission.

2. Your Boundaries

Boundaries are one of the clearest signs of self-respect.

A healthy person may not always agree with your boundaries, but they can understand that they are part of a healthy relationship.

However, someone who is used to having their needs prioritised may view boundaries differently.

A simple “no” may suddenly be treated as rejection.

Protecting your time may be seen as selfish.

Expressing your feelings may be labelled as causing problems.

But boundaries are not punishments. They are not about controlling another person. They are about deciding what you will and will not accept.

When you stop allowing disrespect, manipulation, or constant emotional pressure, the relationship dynamic changes.

People who benefited from you having no boundaries may struggle when you finally create them.

3. Your Friends And Family

Supportive relationships outside of a romantic or family dynamic are important because they provide perspective.

When you have people around you who know you, value you, and support you, it becomes easier to recognise unhealthy patterns.

Isolation can make it harder to see situations clearly. Having trusted people in your life can remind you of your worth and help you reconnect with who you are.

Someone who wants control over the narrative may feel uncomfortable when you have others who offer a different perspective.

Your friends and family may remind you:

“You deserve respect.”

“Your feelings matter.”

“You are allowed to make your own choices.”

Healthy connections strengthen you. They remind you that your identity does not depend on one person’s opinion of you.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

4. Your Hobbies And Interests

Losing yourself in a relationship is something many people experience.

You may stop doing the things you enjoy. You may spend less time with people you love. You may begin organising your life around someone else’s preferences.

But your hobbies, passions, and interests are part of who you are.

They represent your individuality.

When you start reconnecting with the things that make you happy, you become more confident and fulfilled.

You remember that you are not just someone’s partner, parent, friend, or supporter.

You are your own person.

Someone who benefited from your attention always being focused on them may struggle when you begin investing energy into yourself.

Your life should not become smaller to make someone else feel bigger.

5. Your Independence

Independence is a powerful part of healing.

This does not mean you never need anyone. Healthy relationships involve connection, support, and teamwork.

It means you trust yourself.

You feel capable of making decisions.

You know you can cope even if someone disagrees with you.

When someone has relied on guilt, pressure, or emotional reactions to influence your choices, your independence can change everything.

You begin asking:

“What do I want?”

“What feels right for me?”

“What are my values?”

Instead of automatically asking:

“How will they react?”

This shift can feel uncomfortable for someone who was used to having a strong influence over your decisions.

But trusting yourself is not selfish.

It is a sign that you are rebuilding your relationship with yourself.

6. Your Confidence

Confidence is not about believing you are better than others.

It is about believing you have value.

After difficult relationships, many people find their confidence has been damaged. They may question their judgement, apologise unnecessarily, or constantly seek reassurance.

Healing involves rebuilding that inner trust.

You begin recognising:

“My feelings are valid.”

“My needs matter.”

“I can make decisions.”

“I do not have to prove my worth.”

When you stop looking for constant approval, certain manipulation patterns may no longer work in the same way.

Confidence changes how you respond.

Instead of arguing to be understood, you may step away.

Instead of defending yourself endlessly, you may recognise when a conversation is going nowhere.

Your confidence becomes your protection.

7. Your Ability To Walk Away

Perhaps the biggest change is when you realise you have choices.

Many people stay stuck because they believe they cannot leave.

They may fear being alone, starting again, disappointing others, or losing the person they hoped someone would become.

But healing teaches you that love should not require you to abandon yourself.

Walking away does not mean you failed.

Sometimes walking away means you finally chose yourself.

When you understand your worth, you become less willing to accept situations that repeatedly hurt you.

The ability to choose peace over chaos is a powerful transformation.

Someone who relied on your fear, guilt, or need for approval may struggle when you realise you are capable of creating a life without them.

Final Thoughts

The things that challenge unhealthy dynamics are often the things that make you stronger.

Your happiness.

Your boundaries.

Your confidence.

Your independence.

Your freedom.

Healing is not about becoming someone else.

It is about returning to yourself.

You do not need to become smaller to make someone else comfortable. You do not need to silence your feelings to keep the peace. You do not need to lose yourself to prove you care.

The goal is not to become impossible to love.

The goal is to become impossible to abandon within yourself.

Check these out!

Behind The Mask: The Rise Of A Narcissist

15 Rules To Deal With Narcissistic People.: How To Stay Sane And Break The Chain.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

Boundaries with Narcissists: Safeguarding Emotional, Psychological, and Physical Independence.

Healing from Narcissistic Abuse: A Guided Journal for Recovery and Empowerment: Reclaim Your Identity, Build Self-Esteem, and Embrace a Brighter Future

(Sponsored.). https://betterhelp.com/elizabethshaw

Advertisements

Click on the links below to join Elizabeth Shaw – Life Coach, on social media for more information on Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse.

The online courses are available by Elizabeth Shaw.

👉 Start your recovery journey here: https://overcoming-narcissist-abuse.teachable.com/l/pdp/how-to-heal-from-narcissistic-abuse-a-cbt-recovery-program

For the full course.

Click here to sign up for the full, Break Free From Narcissistic Abuse, with a link in the course to a free, hidden online support group with fellow survivors.

For the free course.

Click here to sign up for the free online starter course.

To help with overcoming the trauma bond and anxiety course.

Click here for the online course to help you break the trauma bond, and those anxiety triggers.

All about the narcissist Online course.

Click here to learn more about the narcissist personality disorder.

The narcissists counter-parenting.

Click here for more information on recovery from narcissistic abuse, and information on co-parenting with a narcissist.

Click here for Elizabeth Shaw’s Recommended reading list for more information on recovery from narcissistic abuse.

7 Narcissistic Gaslighting Phrases Used In Arguments: How They Make You Question Yourself

Have you ever walked away from an argument feeling completely confused?

Maybe you went into the conversation knowing exactly what you wanted to say. You wanted to explain that something hurt you, discuss a problem, or find a solution. But somehow, by the end of the conversation, you found yourself defending yourself, apologising, or wondering:

“Was I wrong?”

“Did I misunderstand?”

“Am I the problem?”

This type of confusion can be one of the most emotionally draining parts of an unhealthy relationship dynamic.

Sometimes the most damaging part of an argument is not the disagreement itself — it is the way the conversation changes. Instead of focusing on what happened, the discussion can shift towards your memory, your emotions, your personality, or your reaction.

This is where gaslighting behaviours are often discussed.

Gaslighting is a term used to describe communication patterns where someone attempts to make another person question their own thoughts, feelings, memories, or perception of events. While the term is often associated with narcissistic relationships, it is important to recognise that not every disagreement, misunderstanding, or defensive response is gaslighting. The key factor is usually the repeated pattern over time.

Healthy relationships allow two people to have different opinions while still showing respect, listening, and taking responsibility.

Unhealthy communication often leaves one person feeling confused, blamed, and unheard.

Here are seven phrases that are commonly associated with gaslighting behaviours during arguments.

1. “I never said that.”

One of the most unsettling experiences in conflict is having your memory challenged.

You may remember a conversation clearly. You may remember the words that were said, the promises that were made, or the way you felt afterwards.

But when the response is:

“I never said that.”

the focus can quickly move away from the original issue.

Instead of discussing the behaviour, the conversation becomes a debate about whether your memory can be trusted.

You may begin questioning yourself:

“Did I hear it wrong?”

“Did I misunderstand what happened?”

“Am I remembering this incorrectly?”

Over time, repeatedly having your experiences denied can affect your confidence in your own judgement.

Healthy communication does not require both people to remember everything in exactly the same way. People can have different perspectives. However, a healthy response involves curiosity and understanding.

For example:

“I don’t remember it that way, but I want to understand why you felt hurt.”

The difference is that one response opens a conversation, while the other can shut it down.

2. “You’re making this up.”

When someone shares that they are hurt and the response is that they are inventing the problem, their experience is dismissed.

Instead of exploring:

“Why did this affect you?”

“What happened from your point of view?”

the focus becomes proving that their feelings are wrong.

This can leave someone feeling like they need to constantly explain, justify, or prove their emotions.

Over time, they may start believing that their reactions are the problem rather than looking at what caused those reactions.

Your feelings are information. They tell you something about your experience.

A healthy person may disagree with your interpretation, but they can still acknowledge your emotions.

There is a big difference between:

“I see it differently.”

and:

“You are making this up.”

One creates dialogue. The other creates self-doubt.

3. “You’re crazy. You have mental health problems. You need help.”

Using someone’s emotions or personal struggles against them can be deeply harmful.

When a person raises a concern and the response becomes an attack on their mental health or character, the original issue disappears.

Instead of discussing:

“What happened?”

the conversation becomes:

“What is wrong with you?”

This can create shame and make someone afraid to speak honestly about their feelings.

Everyone experiences emotions. Everyone has moments of frustration, sadness, anger, or anxiety.

Having emotions does not mean someone is irrational.

Healthy relationships allow people to express difficult feelings without being attacked or labelled.

A person’s emotions should never be used as a weapon to avoid discussing behaviour.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

4. “Everyone agrees with me.”

Another phrase that can create pressure during an argument is bringing in unnamed people.

Statements like:

“Everyone thinks you’re wrong.”

“Everyone agrees with me.”

“People have noticed your behaviour.”

can make someone feel isolated.

Suddenly, the disagreement is no longer between two people. It feels like one person is facing a group of people who have already judged them.

This can create insecurity and make someone focus on proving themselves rather than resolving the actual issue.

Healthy conflict stays focused on the people involved.

It asks:

“What happened between us?”

“How did this affect both of us?”

“What can we do differently?”

Bringing in outside opinions can sometimes shift the conversation away from accountability and towards winning.

5. “I’m sorry, I forgot you were perfect.”

This phrase can sound like an apology, but often it is sarcasm disguised as one.

Instead of acknowledging the concern being raised, it mocks the person for wanting accountability.

The hidden message can be:

“You expect too much.”

“You think you are better than me.”

“You are the problem for bringing this up.”

A genuine apology does not involve sarcasm or blame.

A healthy apology sounds like:

“I understand why that hurt you.”

“I could have handled that differently.”

“I’m sorry.”

Accountability requires the ability to accept that you are not perfect — without attacking the other person for noticing.

6. “No one likes you.”

This phrase moves away from the disagreement completely and attacks someone’s sense of worth.

Arguments should be about specific behaviours or situations.

They should not become attacks on someone’s value as a person.

Statements designed to make someone feel rejected can create insecurity and fear.

You may start thinking:

“Maybe I am difficult.”

“Maybe nobody understands me.”

“Maybe I need to change everything about myself.”

But healthy relationships are not built on fear of rejection.

You should not have to earn basic kindness, respect, or acceptance.

7. “You’re so sensitive.” / “You’re gaslighting me.”

Calling someone “too sensitive” is a common way emotions can be dismissed.

Instead of addressing what happened, the focus becomes the person’s reaction.

The message becomes:

“The problem is not what I did. The problem is that you reacted.”

However, emotions are not automatically proof that someone is wrong. They are signals that something has affected you.

Similarly, accusing someone of gaslighting can sometimes be used during conflict to avoid accountability.

Healthy communication involves listening to both sides, reflecting, and being willing to consider your own behaviour.

The goal should not be to win the argument.

The goal should be understanding.

Looking At The Pattern, Not Just One Argument

Everyone says things they regret sometimes. Everyone can become defensive, frustrated, or overwhelmed.

The concern is not one imperfect conversation.

The concern is a repeated pattern where:

your feelings are constantly dismissed
your memories are repeatedly questioned
responsibility is avoided
the blame always ends up on you
you leave conversations feeling confused and emotionally exhausted

Over time, these patterns can damage confidence and make you question your own reality.

Healing often begins with rebuilding trust in yourself.

Learning to recognise unhealthy communication patterns can help you strengthen boundaries, understand your experiences, and make choices that support your emotional wellbeing.

Healthy disagreements are not about making someone feel small.

They are about respect, understanding, accountability, and finding solutions together.

If every conversation leaves you feeling confused, blamed, or questioning yourself, it may be worth looking at the pattern — not just the argument.

Check these out!

Behind The Mask: The Rise Of A Narcissist

15 Rules To Deal With Narcissistic People.: How To Stay Sane And Break The Chain.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

Boundaries with Narcissists: Safeguarding Emotional, Psychological, and Physical Independence.

Healing from Narcissistic Abuse: A Guided Journal for Recovery and Empowerment: Reclaim Your Identity, Build Self-Esteem, and Embrace a Brighter Future

(Sponsored.). https://betterhelp.com/elizabethshaw

Advertisements

Click on the links below to join Elizabeth Shaw – Life Coach, on social media for more information on Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse.

The online courses are available by Elizabeth Shaw.

👉 Start your recovery journey here: https://overcoming-narcissist-abuse.teachable.com/l/pdp/how-to-heal-from-narcissistic-abuse-a-cbt-recovery-program

For the full course.

Click here to sign up for the full, Break Free From Narcissistic Abuse, with a link in the course to a free, hidden online support group with fellow survivors.

For the free course.

Click here to sign up for the free online starter course.

To help with overcoming the trauma bond and anxiety course.

Click here for the online course to help you break the trauma bond, and those anxiety triggers.

All about the narcissist Online course.

Click here to learn more about the narcissist personality disorder.

The narcissists counter-parenting.

Click here for more information on recovery from narcissistic abuse, and information on co-parenting with a narcissist.

Click here for Elizabeth Shaw’s Recommended reading list for more information on recovery from narcissistic abuse.

Narcissists and Avoidant People: Same Behaviour, Different Reasons?

Have you ever been in a relationship where someone seemed emotionally unavailable?

Maybe they pulled away when things became serious. Maybe they avoided difficult conversations, struggled to express their feelings, or made you feel like you were constantly chasing connection.

It can be incredibly confusing because certain behaviours associated with narcissistic traits and avoidant attachment can look very similar from the outside.

Both can leave another person feeling rejected, lonely, unheard, and emotionally exhausted.

However, while the behaviours may overlap, the reasons behind them can be very different.

Understanding the difference can help you stop blaming yourself and start recognising the patterns that are affecting your emotional wellbeing.

Emotional Distance

One of the biggest similarities between narcissistic behaviour and avoidant attachment is emotional distance.

Both may appear closed off or unavailable when it comes to emotional intimacy.

A person with strong narcissistic traits may create distance because vulnerability threatens their self-image. Emotional closeness may require accountability, empathy, or acknowledging another person’s feelings — things they may struggle with.

An avoidant person may create distance for different reasons. They may have learned that relying on others is unsafe or uncomfortable. Closeness may trigger feelings of pressure, fear, or a loss of independence.

The result for the other person can feel similar:

“Why won’t they let me in?”
“Why do I feel alone even when we are together?”

The important difference is the motivation behind the behaviour.

One may be protecting their ego or avoiding responsibility, while the other may be protecting themselves from emotional discomfort.

Difficulty With Vulnerability

Healthy relationships require vulnerability.

They require two people who can say:

“I’m hurt.”
“I need support.”
“I made a mistake.”
“Let’s work through this.”

Both narcissistic and avoidant patterns can make this difficult.

Someone with narcissistic traits may avoid vulnerability because admitting weakness can feel threatening. They may become defensive, dismiss feelings, change the subject, or shift blame when emotional conversations happen.

Someone with avoidant tendencies may struggle because emotional closeness feels overwhelming. They may shut down, become quiet, or need space to process.

Again, the experience for their partner can feel similar.

You may find yourself thinking:

“Why can’t they just talk to me?”
“Why do I always have to bring up important conversations?”

Over time, repeated emotional disconnection can create loneliness within the relationship.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

Pulling Away During Conflict

Conflict is one of the clearest areas where these patterns can appear.

In healthy relationships, conflict is not about winning. It is about understanding, repairing, and finding a way forward.

However, some people respond to conflict by withdrawing.

A person with narcissistic traits may withdraw as a way of avoiding accountability, regaining control, or punishing the other person through silence or emotional withdrawal.

An avoidant person may withdraw because conflict feels overwhelming. Their nervous system may interpret emotional intensity as a threat, causing them to shut down or create distance.

Both situations can leave the other person feeling abandoned.

You may find yourself trying harder, explaining more, or working harder to restore connection.

Eventually, this can create a painful dynamic where one person pursues and the other retreats.

Feeling Rejected

One of the most painful experiences in these relationships is the feeling of rejection.

You may start questioning yourself:

“Am I asking for too much?”
“Why don’t they care?”
“What did I do wrong?”

When someone repeatedly withdraws, avoids emotional conversations, or fails to meet your needs, it can impact your confidence.

You may become focused on trying to regain the closeness you experienced at the beginning.

This is especially difficult if the relationship started with intense connection and gradually became emotionally distant.

However, it is important to remember that someone’s inability to connect emotionally does not automatically mean you are the problem.

Sometimes the most important question is not:

“How do I get them to understand me?”

It is:

“Is this relationship allowing my emotional needs to be met?”

The Importance of Accountability

A key difference between unhealthy patterns often comes down to accountability.

Everyone has moments where they avoid conversations, become defensive, or need space.

No one communicates perfectly all the time.

The difference is whether someone can reflect afterwards.

Can they say:

“I understand why that hurt you.”
“I could have handled that differently.”
“I want to work on this.”

A person who is emotionally avoidant may still be capable of recognising their patterns and making changes.

A person with strong narcissistic traits may be more likely to protect themselves from accountability by blaming others, denying problems, or focusing only on their own perspective.

Growth requires self-awareness.

Without it, the same patterns often repeat.

Why Understanding The Difference Matters

It can be tempting to label every emotionally unavailable person as a narcissist.

However, not everyone who withdraws, struggles with emotions, or needs space has narcissistic traits.

People have different attachment styles, life experiences, coping mechanisms, and emotional skills.

Understanding this does not mean ignoring harmful behaviour.

Regardless of the reason behind someone’s behaviour, you are still allowed to notice how it affects you.

A relationship should not leave you constantly anxious, confused, or emotionally alone.

You deserve communication.

You deserve respect.

You deserve a relationship where your feelings are considered rather than dismissed.

Pay Attention To Patterns

The most important thing is not one argument, one difficult moment, or one time someone needs space.

It is the pattern over time.

Do they listen when you express your feelings?

Do they take responsibility when they hurt you?

Do they show willingness to understand your perspective?

Do you feel emotionally safe being yourself?

These questions matter more than simply trying to work out a label.

Because the goal is not just to understand why someone behaves a certain way.

The goal is to understand whether the relationship you are in allows you to feel valued, respected, and emotionally secure.

Sometimes the biggest realisation is not:

“Why are they acting like this?”

It is:

“How does this relationship make me feel, and is that something I can continue living with?”

Recognising patterns is the first step towards making healthier choices, strengthening boundaries, and rebuilding trust in yourself.

Check these out!

Behind The Mask: The Rise Of A Narcissist

15 Rules To Deal With Narcissistic People.: How To Stay Sane And Break The Chain.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

Boundaries with Narcissists: Safeguarding Emotional, Psychological, and Physical Independence.

Healing from Narcissistic Abuse: A Guided Journal for Recovery and Empowerment: Reclaim Your Identity, Build Self-Esteem, and Embrace a Brighter Future

(Sponsored.). https://betterhelp.com/elizabethshaw

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Click on the links below to join Elizabeth Shaw – Life Coach, on social media for more information on Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse.

The online courses are available by Elizabeth Shaw.

👉 Start your recovery journey here: https://overcoming-narcissist-abuse.teachable.com/l/pdp/how-to-heal-from-narcissistic-abuse-a-cbt-recovery-program