Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy
"The goal is not to change them, it's to get them out of your life and to get yourself back." — Alex Cooper
"When people ask me 'What do I do?', my answer is always the same: you cannot fix them, you cannot change them, you have to get them out of your life and get yourself back." — Dr. Ramani Durvasula
"You're not crazy. You're not overreacting. You are experiencing narcissistic abuse." — Dr. Ramani Durvasula
The episode delves into the complexities of narcissism and narcissistic abuse, with host Alex Cooper and psychotherapist Dr. Ramani Durvasula providing insights into identifying these patterns. Dr. Durvasula explains that narcissism is a spectrum, with narcissistic personality disorder being a clinical diagnosis characterized by grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. The conversation highlights how these traits can manifest in relationships, often leading to manipulative behaviors and emotional harm for the other person.
The discussion elaborates on the cyclical nature of narcissistic abuse, often involving phases of idealization, devaluation, and eventual discard. Dr. Durvasula emphasizes that individuals experiencing this type of abuse may doubt their own reality and sanity due to gaslighting and other manipulative tactics. Both speakers stress the importance of recognizing these signs, validating one's own experiences, and understanding that the focus should be on the victim's healing and self-preservation rather than attempting to change the narcissist.
Practical advice is offered on how to navigate these challenging situations, including the necessity of setting firm boundaries and prioritizing self-care. The episode underscores that recovery from narcissistic abuse is a process that requires support, self-compassion, and often professional guidance. The overarching message is one of empowerment, encouraging listeners to reclaim their sense of self-worth and to prioritize their well-being by disengaging from toxic relationships.