Tony Overbay, LMFT, explores how seemingly minor slights and manipulations in relationships can accumulate to cause significant emotional harm. Welcome to the 8th installment of Waking Up to Narcissism’s “Death by 1,000 Cuts” series. 

In this episode, Tony delves deep into the subtle yet severe world of emotional abuse. Whether you're dealing with a narcissistic partner, emotionally immature family members, or challenging work colleagues, this episode is full of relatable stories and practical advice to help you understand and navigate these treacherous waters. 

Tony shares listener-submitted poems and limericks that perfectly capture the pain and frustration of enduring countless small but stinging slights. He also shares personal anecdotes and listener stories to illustrate how these seemingly minor offenses can pile up, causing significant emotional damage over time. 

Discover invaluable strategies for maintaining your emotional health, such as self-compassion, differentiating yourself emotionally, and setting healthy boundaries. You'll also learn the importance of documenting behavior patterns and trusting your gut feelings to reclaim your reality and foster your healing journey.

Find more from Tony Overbay:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@virtualcouch

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtual.couch/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyoverbaylmft/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-virtual-couch/id1275153998

Website: https://www.tonyoverbay.com/ 

Stream Riley Hope's song 'Not My Job' and follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicbyrileyhope/ 

00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements

00:53 Listener Contributions: Poems and Limericks

02:00 Understanding Emotional Cuts in Relationships

02:20 Host Introduction and Podcast Overview

04:23 The Free Throw Analogy: Preparation vs. Real Life

09:31 Applying Relationship Skills in Real Life

17:16 Listener Stories: Death by a Thousand Cuts

24:31 Roommate Frustrations

24:56 Financial Manipulation

25:31 Co-Parenting Conflicts

26:09 Family Event Disruptions

27:01 Emotional Immaturity in Relationships

35:56 Professional Sabotage

39:22 Phone Surveillance

41:54 Achievement Diminishment

43:02 Weaponized Routines

43:44 Financial Manipulation Revisited

45:57 Co-Parenting Undermining

46:40 Recognizing Patterns of Control

49:53 The Importance of Self-Compassion