Summary

The article discusses the phenomenon of trauma bonds and their role in attracting individuals to toxic and narcissistic relationships.

Abstract

The author of the article shares a personal experience of repeatedly finding themselves in toxic relationships with narcissists, despite recognizing the red flags and ending such relationships. The concept of a trauma bond is introduced as a chemical reaction in the victim's nervous system that is reinforced by intermittent abuse and rare moments of pleasure, leading to a cycle that is difficult to break. The article explains how trauma bonds can start in childhood and continue into adulthood, causing individuals to subconsciously seek out familiar toxic patterns. The author emphasizes that understanding and addressing one's trauma bond is crucial for breaking the cycle and moving towards healthier relationships.

Opinions

The author believes that trauma bonds are a significant factor in why individuals continue to attract and engage in toxic relationships.
It is suggested that the cycle of abuse and intermittent reinforcement is a key component in the formation and maintenance of trauma bonds.
The author implies that the first step in breaking free from toxic relationships is recognizing the existence of a trauma bond.
There is an opinion that once a trauma bond is broken, not only do toxic relationships cease, but individuals may also start to repel such relationships.
The author, Dr. Melissa Kalt, positions herself as an expert in the field, offering guidance and resources for survivors of narcissistic abuse to heal and build a foundation for breaking trauma bonds.

Feel Like a Narcissist Magnet? The Reason You Attract Toxic Relationships

No, it’s not bad luck…

I was convinced I had a narcissist target branded on my forehead.

Everywhere I turned, there was another narcissist, and I was the chosen target. Potential love interests, new friends, colleagues, you name it. It was like no one was safe like no one was healthy.

After ending a long-term narcissistic relationship, I recognized the red flags. I also knew to end those toxic relationships quickly.

Yet, the pattern was brutal.

Meet someone new.
Feel excited, even giddy, that this new person came into my life.
Think about them often — first thing in the morning, last thing each evening.
Check my phone non-stop, so I won’t miss a communication.
I stayed up late talking or disrupting what I was doing to take the call.
See the red flags.
End the relationship.
Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

My trauma bond was running the show. It was like a beacon, summoning narcissists from all over the world. My trauma bond kept entangling me in narcissist drama, which only strengthened my trauma bond. It was crazy-making.

What is a trauma bond?

A trauma bond is a chemical reaction in the nervous system of the victim. It requires both repetitive abuse AND rare or unpredictable pleasure.

Imagine being put down by your boyfriend for 2 weeks — you’re told you’ve gained weight, you’ve let yourself go, your clothes are frumpy, you’re turning into your mother.

After listening to the near-constant abuse for weeks, one evening he comes home, wraps his arms around your waist, and whispers in your ear, “You are so sexy…” as he pushes himself up against you. The dopamine hit, or chemical surge from this moment is so great, that you’ll tolerate anything to get more of it — even more abuse.

What are the signs of a trauma bond?

The trauma bond connects a victim to their abuser. Initially, it prevents the victim from even seeing they’re being abused. Once they see the abuse, the trauma bond prevents them from leaving. Once the relationship has ended, the trauma bond makes the victim long for the abuser’s return. It’s seriously messed up.

You’d think the trauma bond would break when you get over your ex and move on. Sadly, that’s just not true. The trauma bond is more than being hung up on your ex.

Years, even decades, after leaving, you find you continue to attract one new narcissist after the next. Worst yet, you seem to be attracted to toxic personalities. That’s the work of the trauma bond, too.

The lifecycle of a trauma bond …

If you’re attracting toxic relationships now, you likely started with toxic or dysfunctional relationships.

And if you’re like many survivors, your first trauma bond was with one of your parents. That relationship set the stage for how you behave, what you’ll tolerate, and your desire for that chemical hit.

Your adulthood toxic relationships reinforced the bond. And here you are.

Ready to stop attracting toxic relationships?

The moment you realize you have a trauma bond; you are back in the driver’s seat. No longer are your relationships simply bad luck. You now see you are the flame to a moth.

Fortunately, you have the power to change it. You have the power to break your trauma bond. And when that happens, you not only stop attracting new toxic people into your life, you actually repel them, so you can break the painful cycle once and for all.

That’s when life becomes extraordinary.

Disclaimer: This answer is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. It’s a recount of how I’ve been able to help myself and others heal from narcissistic abuse and how it may help you.

Dr Melissa Kalt, MD is a trauma and narcissistic abuse expert who frees survivors from the longstanding aftereffects of narcissistic abuse. Before you can break your trauma bond, you need a solid foundation. Learn more here.