We lie to ourselves all the time. But in order to fully open ourselves up to all the beauty and meaning life can hold for us, we have to choose to see the truth, even when it hurts. In doing so, we accept, let go, and grow.

I was married to a covert narcissist and did not really realise the extent (or the impact) of the emotional manipulation until I had walked away from the relationship and had a bit of distance, (and luck) to put two and two together. I had moments of doubt/questions, months and perhaps even years in advance, but I chose to ignore the feelings, rationalise them away and convince myself that I was in love.