Are they a covert narcissist—or are they just being a jerk?
That’s one of the most common (and most confusing) questions I hear from clients and listeners. In this episode of the Covert Narcissism Podcast, we break down real-life examples of those cutting, guilt-laced, or backhanded comments that leave you wondering: Was that emotional abuse, passive-aggressive manipulation, or just a bad moment?

From relationship red flags like “Must be nice to have that kind of freedom”, to parental guilt trips like “After all I’ve done for you…”, we’ll look at how to spot the signs of covert narcissism versus everyday jerk behavior.

You’ll learn how to recognize emotional invalidation, gaslighting, guilt trips, and passive-aggressive abuse—and how to tell when it’s a manipulative pattern instead of a one-off mistake.
If you’ve been left second-guessing your reality, feeling invisible or emotionally punished, this episode will help you find clarity.

Ever walk away from a conversation feeling more confused than when you started—like somehow, even though you were calm, kind, and clear, you’re the one apologizing again?

Welcome to the maddening world of circular conversations with a covert narcissist.

In this episode, we dive into the logic-defying, soul-draining dynamics that keep you stuck in emotional loops—where nothing gets resolved, the goalposts always move, and your reality is constantly twisted. Before you even had the words “covert narcissism,” you probably felt it: the confusion, the guilt, the slow erasure of your clarity and confidence.

You’ll hear a dramatized conversation that shows how these patterns unfold, how covert narcissists derail resolution, and what gaslighting really sounds like behind closed doors. More importantly, we’ll explore how to step out of the spiral—with grounded examples, boundary-setting phrases, and reminders that you’re not crazy. You’re being manipulated.

If you’re tired of talking in circles and ready to reclaim your peace, this one’s for you.

In this episode of the Covert Narcissism Podcast, we take a much-needed breath of fresh air—literally and emotionally.

If I weren’t talking about covert narcissism every week, I’d be out in the woods learning survival skills: building fires, navigating with moss, and figuring out which berries won’t kill me. Why? Because sometimes, healing from covert narcissistic abuse means taking a step back to reconnect with who you are outside the trauma.

This episode is your invitation to pause the obsessive thoughts about the covert narcissist, stop decoding emotional abuse for just a moment, and remember what it feels like to simply be you.

We’ll explore:

• Why it’s essential to take breaks during narcissistic abuse recovery
• How constantly thinking about narcissism can keep you stuck
• What stepping back does for your nervous system, your identity, and your healing
• A fun peek into what I’d be doing if I weren’t talking about emotional abuse every week

What if the guilt you’ve been carrying… isn’t guilt at all? In this episode of the Covert Narcissism Podcast, we peel back the layers of false guilt—those heavy, painful feelings that whisper “you’re the problem” anytime someone else is upset. Renee walks through a real-life example of emotional coercion in a relationship with a covert narcissist, showing how guilt is often a disguise for fear, shame, and manipulated responsibility.
You'll learn how to recognize the difference between true guilt and emotional control, how to reframe the heartbreak we mistakenly label as wrongdoing, and why survivors of covert abuse so often confuse love with self-erasure.
If you’ve ever canceled your joy, dimmed your light, or questioned your own goodness just to avoid someone’s disapproval—this episode is for you.

What if you said yes — but didn’t feel free to say no?

In this powerful and necessary episode, we’re confronting the hidden reality of sexual coercion and assault within marriage, especially when the partner is a covert narcissist. From guilt-laced manipulation to emotional punishment and silent withdrawal, we explore how control can show up quietly — and why consent isn’t real if it’s not freely given.

You’ll hear real-life examples, common tactics used to override your “no,” and clear steps to help you name the abuse and reclaim your voice. Whether sex was forced, guilted, or withheld to hurt you — your experience matters. Your “no” still matters.

If you’ve ever asked, “Was that really assault?” — this episode is for you.

Welcome to Part Two of Things My Therapist Said That Deserve to Be on T-Shirts. We’re continuing the conversation with five more transformative truths that cut through confusion, emotional manipulation, and internalized blame—especially for anyone navigating covert narcissistic abuse.

These one-liners don’t just help you name what’s been happening—they help you stop second-guessing yourself and start reclaiming your peace. Whether you're living with a covert narcissist, healing after a painful breakup, or just trying to trust your gut again, this episode is packed with insight, validation, and practical trauma recovery tools.

In this episode, we’ll unpack:

• “If they only treat you well when you’re useful, it’s not kindness. It’s convenience.” — identifying narcissistic behavior masked as affection
• “Of course you're exhausted. You're carrying emotional loads that aren’t yours.” — the invisible weight of narcissistic abuse
• “Peace isn’t boring. You’re just addicted to chaos.” — learning to tolerate emotional safety again
• “Gaslighting isn’t an argument. It’s a control tactic.” — naming the real dynamic of covert narcissistic manipulation
• “Your gut knew before your brain was ready.” — reconnecting with your intuition after emotional abuse

Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs in healing from covert narcissistic abuse come from just one sentence—something so simple, so true, it rewires your entire nervous system. In this part one episode, I’m sharing five powerful one-liners my therapist said that helped me finally recognize the emotional abuse I had been living through—and start the real work of healing.

We talk about what it means to stop apologizing for your emotions, how guilt isn't a moral compass, and why setting boundaries with a covert narcissist often feels like you're doing something wrong (spoiler: you’re not). If you’ve been walking on eggshells, second-guessing your every move, or struggling to trust yourself, this episode will speak directly to your experience.

Inside Part One, we’ll explore:

• “You’re not crazy. You’re just traumatized.” — how gaslighting in relationships makes you doubt your reality

• “It’s not your job to set yourself on fire to keep other people warm.” — the trap of self-abandonment in toxic relationships

• “Feeling guilty doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.” — how manipulated guilt keeps you stuck

• “You can love someone and still walk away.” — choosing emotional freedom over fantasy

• “The apology you're waiting for probably isn’t coming. Heal anyway.” — reclaiming closure on your own terms

These are more than just quotes. They’re turning points. Because sometimes, all it takes is one honest phrase to start unraveling years of confusion and pain. Subscribe so you don't miss part two!

Covert narcissism sends you spinning into cognitive dissonance circles! But your brain and your gut were never supposed to be enemies. They're both trying to protect you—just in different ways. Healing begins when they stop arguing and start working together, guiding you out of the confusion and back into clarity.

Key Takeaways:

• Covert abuse hijacks your logic and intuition.

• Your gut has always known the truth—you just needed your brain to stop making excuses.

• Healing starts when you trust yourself enough to stop gaslighting your own feelings.

If you've ever felt torn between what your brain tells you and what your gut knows deep down, this episode is for you.

💬 Your story matters, and you deserve to be heard without judgment.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, check out my coaching services at [your website]. And don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes where we mix truth, healing, and just a little bit of sarcasm—because sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine.