Narcissism & High-Conflict Relationships
This page is for people who feel constantly confused, blamed, or emotionally drained in relationships that never seem to resolve. If arguments loop, facts get rewritten, and you’re always left questioning yourself — you’re not imagining it.
What “High-Conflict” Really Means
High-conflict relationships aren’t just about disagreements. They involve repeated patterns that destabilize communication, shift blame, and keep one person on the defensive.
- Arguments that never fully resolve
- Frequent blame-shifting or denial of past behavior
- Emotional whiplash — calm one moment, explosive the next
- Feeling like you’re always “explaining yourself”
Common Narcissistic Patterns
Not every high-conflict person has narcissistic personality disorder — but many high-conflict dynamics use the same tactics.
Common tactics include:
- Gaslighting (“That never happened”)
- Projection (accusing you of what they’re doing)
- DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim & Offender)
- Sudden rage or withdrawal when confronted
- Smear campaigns or rewriting history
Why This Takes Such a Toll
Over time, these patterns can erode your confidence, distort your sense of reality, and leave you in a constant state of vigilance.
Many people in high-conflict relationships report anxiety, brain fog, emotional exhaustion, and difficulty trusting their own judgment — even long after the relationship ends.
Where to Go Next
If this page resonates, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure out the next steps by yourself.
Continue → PTSD & Coercive Control