Thank you for your response! Omg, I listened to that podcast episode too! hahaha I love how well she explains it, and 100% agree with how common it is, and is becoming, but I still think it’s so important for us to look in the mirror and protect our own energy/mental health. More so than ever, and it can be possible to maintain a relationship, but you have to understand what you’re getting yourself into…so you don’t get played. It’s truly both/and for sure — I think I just always prefer not to blame others and to really look at ourselves to make changes because that's the only thing that works. Whether someone is narcissistic, bipolar, mean, manipulative, or whatever you want to label them — it’s up to us to deal with it and not label them and be the victim. It’s an opportunity for us to grow and be empowered, rather than beat down. Thank you so much for your response, I want to read more of what you write! ❤