Growing up under the control of a narcissistic parent isn’t just a difficult childhood, it’s a form of psychological conditioning.

For that little girl or boy, love became something they had to earn. They learned early that affection was never freely given but granted in exchange for compliance, obedience, and the suppression of their own feelings.

They learned that any expression of self, any opinion or need, could quickly be turned against them, used as leverage or a weapon in a constant game of manipulation.

And so, that little child grew up, but the wounds of their childhood lingered. As an adult, they often become someone who feels an almost compulsive need to ensure everyone around them is happy. Why? Because in their formative years, they were taught that their worth was tied to how well they pleased others.
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