How to Get Over a Narcissistic Relationship

Co-authored by Lena Dicken, Psy.D and Sophie Burkholder, BA

Last Updated: April 15, 2024 Fact Checked

Recovering from any turbulent relationship can be tough, but it can be especially difficult if your ex shows narcissistic qualities like selfishness, arrogance, or manipulative behavior. By following the steps below, you can begin to distance yourself from your ex-partner and make a healthier and happier life for yourself. Just keep in mind that only a licensed therapist can diagnose Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), and even if someone does have a clinical diagnosis, that doesn’t automatically make them abusive or toxic.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} But if you’re trying to get over any type of challenging or dysfunctional relationship, these steps will help you move on for good.

1

Go no contact.

Download Article

If the relationship was abusive, it may be best to stop all communication with them. Going no contact means blocking your ex from all ways of contacting you. That means social media, texting, calling, and seeing them in person. Avoiding them will help you heal from the relationship without them manipulating you.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- The no-contact rule typically lasts 30 days, but it may be best to stick to the no-contact rule indefinitely when moving on from a particularly unhealthy relationship.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- Someone who struggles to feel empathy and reciprocate feelings may turn to manipulation to form the relationship they want.
- Not communicating with your ex will break this manipulative cycle and help you connect with your feelings as an individual.

2

Set boundaries for yourself.

Download Article

Heal by creating distance between you and your ex. Boundaries will not only help you protect yourself from their selfish behavior, but they will encourage you to grow. You are worthy of respect and deserve kindness, so set boundaries that’ll help you bloom. Stick to the no-contact rule and avoid answering their calls, or try your best not to talk about them.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Build boundaries to protect yourself from further abuse rather than building them to keep people out. For example, keep some personal information like your fears to yourself when meeting new people, but don’t be afraid to express your interests.
- Vocalize your boundaries by telling your ex, “You can’t treat me this way,” or, “I don’t have to listen to your abuse.”
- Prioritize self-care when establishing your boundaries by focusing on your needs first.

3

Reflect on the relationship.

Download Article

Move on by making peace with the past. You’re most likely angry with your ex and how they manipulated you. It’s normal—healthy even—to feel hatred toward the relationship, but your anger won’t help you move forward. Take time to reflect on the ups and downs of the relationship, focusing on what you learned. The goal is to eventually make peace with what happened.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Anger can help you see the wrongs in the relationship, but it won’t help you heal emotionally.
- Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to let your ex off the hook. They hurt you, and you don’t need to forget it. What you do need is to forgive yourself.

4

Write down your reasons for moving on.

Download Article

Remove self-doubt by reminding yourself why the relationship’s over. Make a list of all the reasons why you want to keep moving forward without your ex.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Lena Dicken, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist

Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.} Being clear on why you want to move on can help motivate you when things get tough. ^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source

HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.

Go to source}
- Your reasons can be specific to the relationship or about personal growth. For example, you can write, “I want to move on because they made me feel bad about my cooking,” or, “I want to move on because I deserve love and respect.”
- Save the list on your phone or keep it in your favorite notebook.
- Refer back to the list when you start having self-doubts or your ex tries to contact you.

Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: Am I Dating a Narcissist?

Only a mental health professional can diagnose Narcissistic Personality Disorder), but there are plenty of red flags you can look out for. Take this quiz to find out where you stand.

1 of 12

How did they act when you first started dating?

Super lovey-dovey. They thought our relationship was written in the stars!

Extra charming. They really knew how to lay it on.

A little flirtatious. Nothing too overkill, though!

Friendly and respectful. They had a healthy sense of boundaries.

5

Take a break from dating.

Download Article

A toxic relationship can make you second guess your ability to have healthy relationships. When you’re in a relationship with someone who’s self-centered or thoughtless, you may feel like an accessory or unimportant.^{[8]
X
Research source} It’s important to reconnect with your self-worth before jumping back into the playing field because you can’t have a healthy romantic relationship without a healthy relationship with yourself.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Try not to rush the need to start dating again. Protect yourself by making sure you’re ready to be in a new relationship.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lena Dicken, Psy.D
  Clinical Psychologist
  
  Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.}
- Being ready to date again will look different for everyone. Perhaps your ex isn’t on your mind anymore, you feel confident, or you meet someone special.
- Remember, recovery isn’t linear. Go at your own pace and do what you think is right.

6

Let yourself grieve.

Download Article

Breakups can be hard even when they end a toxic relationship. You may feel lost, confused, angry, and frustrated when leaving someone with narcissistic traits, and it’s okay to grieve what you’ve lost. Be kind to yourself; healing takes time.^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Lena Dicken, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist

Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.}
- All of your feelings are valid, so let them come and go.
- Think of each emotion as a new wave in the healing process. Waves crash and fall, but they eventually leave with the tide.
- Your ex may not share your grief. They might miss the praise and admiration, but they’ll find it easy to move on. Don’t take this personally, as this is not a reflection of your worth but a reflection of their egotistical behavior.

7

Know that it’s okay to still have feelings.

Download Article

No matter how badly your ex treated you, you may still love them, and that’s okay. It’s normal to feel lonely and confused after a breakup, and it’s even more common to feel lost after breaking up with someone who manipulated or gaslit you. You may still want them back just to fill the emptiness in your heart, but know that this is part of the healing process.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Every feeling you’re feeling is valid, even if it contradicts what you think you should be feeling.
- Acknowledge your emotions, feel them, and let them go.
- Try filling that emptiness with something else, like a craft, a new pet, or time with friends.

8

Reconnect with yourself.

Download Article

Do things you love to help you move on. Focus on your dreams and your future because your ex isn’t around to control you anymore. Is there a hobby your ex made you give up? Did you give up your dream of getting a master's because they thought it was best? Rekindling these joys can help you find yourself again.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Chase the dreams your ex made you forget.
- Explore the hobbies your ex thought were silly.
- Do whatever makes you happy!

9

Love yourself a little more.

Download Article

The key to moving on is falling back in love with yourself. You deserve to be in a loving relationship, so why not make that first comeback loving yourself? Unravel the critiques and negative thoughts your ex may have instilled in you. Treat yourself to something special, like a new outfit, your favorite dessert, or a day at the spa. Take the time to care for yourself in a way they never did.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Self-forgiveness is an important part of loving yourself.
- Forgive yourself for all your self-doubts, and push aside lingering negative thoughts.

10

Remember who you are.

Download Article

You’re so much more than a person who was in a relationship. Your ex may make you think you’re nothing without them, but they’re wrong. Make a list of all of your hobbies, strengths, and relationships. What are you to your family and friends? What are things you love to do? What are you to yourself? Reminding yourself of these things can help you reconnect with your identity.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Think about how you describe yourself to others. Are you a painter? A student?
- Ask yourself what you mean to people you care about. Are you a sibling? A best friend?
- Consider how you view yourself by asking yourself, “Who am I?” and, “What do I like?”

11

Reach out to loved ones for support.

Download Article

Moving on isn’t something you have to do alone. Your ex may have hurt some of your relationships with friends and family members, and now is the time to reach out. Ask for some guidance, or simply ask for a hug.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- No matter what your ex may have told you, you’re not alone.
- Apologize to those your ex may have hurt. Taking the time to talk to your friends and family members about the abuse can help mend your relationship with them.^{[17]
  X
  Research source}
- It can be difficult to trust after being in a relationship with someone who behaved in a narcissistic way. Fear might make you want to push loved ones away, but know not everyone is going to hurt you.^{[18]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Simply Psychology
  Popular site for evidence-based psychology information
  
  Go to source}

12

Seek professional help.

Download Article

Therapists and counselors are here to help you through this difficult time. They can guide you on your path of healing and help you work through any negative thoughts or behaviors. Being in a relationship where your needs aren’t prioritized can put a toll on your mental well-being, and you don’t need to go through the process of moving on alone.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- If you’re a victim of domestic violence abuse, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1(800)799-7233.^{[20]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  National Domestic Violence Hotline
  Organization providing lifesaving tools, support, and resources for victims and survivors of domestic abuse
  
  Go to source}
- If you need help on your healing journey, contact The Center For Hope at (716)955-9658.^{[21]
  X
  Research source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Do rebounds help you get over someone?

Lena Dicken, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Lena Dicken is a Clinical Psychologist based in Santa Monica, California. With over eight years of experience, Dr. Dicken specializes in therapy for anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. She utilizes an integrative approach combining Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, and Mindfulness-based therapies. Dr. Dicken holds a BS in Integrative Medicine from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, an MA in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University Los Angeles, and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Westwood. Dr. Dicken’s work has been featured in GOOP, The Chalkboard Magazine, and in numerous other articles and podcasts. She is a licensed psychologist with the state of California.

Lena Dicken, Psy.D

Clinical Psychologist

Expert Answer

Nope! It's really hard to fully invest yourself in a new relationship when you haven't given yourself the time to grieve and heal from your break-up. This can start a dangerous pattern where you date back to back to back, with all of these relationships creating heartbreak that you don't properly process or heal from.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 18
Question

Why did my narc ex want me to suffer so badly when i was nothing but loving, caring, considerate and forgiving?

Lauren Kaduce

Community Answer

Narcissists tend to care only about themselves. When they see others suffer, from the people who lose their jobs during a recession to the Parrotheads who are grieving the death of Jimmy Buffett, it reinforces their own sense of superiority to these people. It’s not about you, it’s about them.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Question

How can he move on so quickly, marrying in less than a year?

Lauren Kaduce

Community Answer

Narcissists often date someone for a short time, leave the relationship, and quickly move on to the next one. You can find a similar pattern with narcissistic CEOs. They stay at a company for a short time, damage it so the stock price goes way down, then quickly move on to next one. They will always have an explanation for the employees and shareholders as to why they couldn’t have done any better.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a legitimate mental health condition that many people work hard to manage with therapy and medication.^{[22]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Remember that language matters, no matter how angry you are with your ex. Labeling someone a “narcissist” when we really mean “manipulative,” “toxic,” or “abusive” only adds to the stigma that people with clinical NPD face.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0