We all avoid emotions to some extent. If we're willing to admit it to ourselves or anyone else another story. It's ok if we are doing this, but we don't want to get stuck there. We must allow and process these emotions if we want to move forward with our lives. It also makes the journey much better! #grownostr

I suppose the exception is they are genuinely narcissists, which is anything but genuine. This is because they have no sense of self or who they are. Everything they do is to manipulate for more of everything. There is never enough of more and it will never be enough. Opt out of their game! #grownostr

Too many times we rerun what we've done and said and question everything we did. We couldn't have made things better because we were not the only issue in the relationship. They were just trying to get us to believe we were the only problem. You can't have a healthy relationship with a toxic person! #grownostr

You'll be lucky to get breadcrumbs and they will manipulate you to think they are giving you everything. The reality is you will never even get close to the bare minimum. Anything they give you will be to show everyone else "how good they are". It's a lie and a deception! We don't have to participate in their illusion! #grownostr

Even when narcissists seem to get away with everything in the short term. In the long term they end up burning every relationship they have and die alone, miserable and lonely. They are perpetual victims of their own demise and it follows them through their lives. Eventually it catches up with them. #grownostr

I won't say we need to go through this, because I don't believe that. We certainly didn't deserve it either. It's often a catalyst though for really making changes in our lives in a positive way. It can be a time of huge positive growth, if we choose this. None of it is easy and I know this. It is possible for everyone to move forward with their lives no matter where they start. #grownostr

We've strived enough to be enough for the wrong people. Stop trying to prove your worth. The right person will see it. These people will see your value and you will always be enough for them. Your value and worth will be reciprocated. We will never get this from the wrong person no matter how hard we try. #grownostr

Narcissists will say you're punishing them when we don't do what they want. You’re not being mean. You’re saving yourself. We must hold healthy boundaries to protect ourselves. Often, with toxic people, the only boundary that's safe is no contact at least until we can build healthy boundaries. #grownostr

Some days are hard and it just doesn’t make sense and that’s ok. What’s worse is we often beat ourselves or think we shouldn’t feel that way, which makes it harder to let go of these emotions. It usually takes time to work through it. Be kind to yourself and know you can and will get through this. #grownostr

You don’t owe anyone access to your life. If someone is toxic, manipulative, or draining your energy, it’s okay to walk away—no guilt, no explanation. Protecting your peace isn’t selfish; it’s self-respect. Many other people will have their thoughts about all of it and that's ok. Staying true to ourselves is the most important part! #grownostr