Welcome to our podcast on "The 21 Stages of a Narcissistic Relationship," featuring clinical psychologist and narcissist expert Fiza Saif. In this episode, we explore the complex journey of being involved with a narcissist, from the initial idealization where they shower you with praise and gifts, to the intense love bombing that makes you feel deeply connected. As the relationship progresses, you become dependent on their validation, only to face devaluation through subtle criticisms and gaslighting that distorts your reality. The narcissist then isolates you from your support system, exerts control over your life, and engages in projection and blame shifting to make you feel responsible for their issues. They use triangulation to create jealousy, employ the silent treatment as punishment, and display explosive rage when things don't go their way. After conflicts, they might try hoovering to pull you back in, while also conducting smear campaigns to tarnish your reputation. The discarding phase leaves you devastated, but you might experience recycling as they return to repeat the cycle. Denied closure, you eventually embark on a path of self-healing and empowerment, reclaiming your sense of self. Join us to understand these stages and learn how to break free.