![Stop Calling Him a “Narcissist” (Use This Word Instead) - The Narcissism Trap Series Part One [366]](https://img.transistorcdn.com/FRc37Rcl8qgTt46KB1moOK_Mdd4mRI8OpN7GMSdMBTU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81MGQ3/ZjFhMWFiNjdiZTcz/M2IwMTJmZjgzYmU3/NDU3Zi5qcGc.jpg)
Stop Calling Him a “Narcissist” (Use This Word Instead) - The Narcissism Trap Series Part One [366]
From Flying Free by Natalie Hoffman
February 10, 2026 · 17 min · Episode 366
About this episode
Natalie Hoffman discusses the dangers of labeling an emotionally abusive partner as a 'narcissist' and encourages a shift in language to aid healing.
In this kickoff to a powerful new series, The Narcissism Trap , Natalie Hoffman challenges a popular narrative in abuse recovery: labeling an emotionally abusive partner as a “narcissist.” While that term may feel validating at first, Natalie explains how it can actually work against your healing by keeping you locked in the wrong story. If you've been Googling “narcissist” at 2 a.m. to make sense of your painful marriage, this episode is for you. 🎯 Key Takeaways: Stop giving the abuse a medical label. Narcissism is a clinical diagnosis that can distract from the very real pattern of covert oppression you’re living in. Start calling it what it is: oppression. This isn’t about someone who’s mentally ill or just "struggling." This is about power, control, and silencing your voice. Shifting the language helps you shift your mindset. When you stop analyzing him and start focusing on your own story , healing becomes possible. You're not crazy or overreacting. You're likely experiencing strategic emotional abuse often invisible to outsiders but deeply damaging inside your home. Get Today’s Free Resource: 🧐 Are you wondering what is happening inside your own painful and confusing…
People in this episode
Host: Natalie Hoffman
Topics covered
- narcissism
- emotional abuse
- oppression
- healing
- marriage recovery
Keywords
- narcissist
- emotional abuse
- oppression
- healing
- marriage
- abuse recovery
- covert oppression
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage
More episodes of Flying Free
- The Pastor's Wife Nobody Saw: Jessica's Story [378] · June 9, 2026 · 1h 19m
- Finding Your Freedom, Autonomy, and Independence - High Functioning Women Series Part Four [377] · May 26, 2026 · 28 min
- Trusting What You Know is True When Others Gaslight You - High Functioning Women Series Part Three [376] · May 12, 2026 · 34 min
- Why Your Empathy is a Superpower (and a TARGET!) - High Functioning Women Series Part Two [375] · April 28, 2026 · 29 min
- The Loneliness of the "Perfect" High Functioning Woman - High Functioning Women Series Part One [374] · April 7, 2026 · 23 min
- From Deconstructing to Reconstructing: Finding Wonder Again [373] · March 31, 2026 · 1h 3m
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Flying Free podcast page.