Part 5/8:
On the other hand, relationships with others—be it friends, family, religious institutions, or mental health professionals—serve as vital sustenance for the victim. These connections offer strength, resilience, and a form of immunity against the narcissist’s influence.
These external relationships function as a kind of emotional immune system, reinforcing the victim's perception of reality contrary to the narcissist's distorted world. When these bonds are strong, the victim is less susceptible to manipulation; when they are severed, the victim becomes more vulnerable.