Ep. 117 Emotional Martyrdom: How Narcissists Play Victim to Control

Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast · Jan 10, 2026 · 10m

You spent years managing their emotional crises, apologizing for things you didn't do, and silencing your own needs because they were always the one suffering more. But what if their victimhood was never genuine? What if it was a calculated performance designed to trap you?Emotional martyrdom is one of the most insidious manipulation tactics in the narcissistic playbook. It's how a narcissistic parent casts themselves as the perpetual victim while systematically controlling everyone around them. When you tried to set boundaries, suddenly you were the cruel one. When you needed support, their…