I can offer some general insights into why individuals might tolerate emotional abuse and neglect from a narcissistic parent for an extended period:
Familiarity and Conditioning: Growing up in an environment with emotional abuse and neglect can become the norm. Children of narcissistic parents may be conditioned to believe that this treatment is normal or that they deserve it. Breaking free from this conditioning can be challenging.
Guilt and Obligation: Narcissistic parents often manipulate their children emotionally, making them feel guilty or obligated to stay in the relationship. This guilt may be linked to cultural or societal expectations about family bonds.
Fear of Abandonment: Narcissistic parents may instill a fear of abandonment in their children, making them feel that they will be left with nothing or no one if they decide to cut ties.
Low Self-Esteem: Emotional abuse can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. This may cause someone to believe that they don't deserve better treatment or that they won't find support elsewhere.
Emotional Dependency: If the emotional abuse began in childhood, the child may develop a sense of emotional dependency on the parent, seeking their validation and approval despite the harmful treatment.
Hope for Change: Individuals might hold onto hope that their parent will change, leading them to tolerate the abuse in the expectation that things will get better.
Isolation: Narcissistic parents may isolate their children from external support systems, making it harder for them to leave the toxic relationship.
Coping Mechanisms: People often develop coping mechanisms to deal with the emotional pain, which may involve denial, dissociation, or self-blame.
Fear of Retaliation: There might be a fear of retaliation or further abuse if attempts are made to break away from the parent.
Lack of Awareness: In some cases, individuals may not fully realize or understand that the treatment they are enduring is emotional abuse.
It's crucial to remember that every individual's situation is unique, and there might be a combination of factors at play. Recognizing emotional abuse, seeking support from friends, family, or professionals, and setting boundaries are essential steps towards healing and breaking free from an abusive relationship. Therapy or counseling can be valuable in addressing past traumas and building resilience. If you find yourself in a situation like this, consider seeking professional help to support you through the process of healing and recovery.