Glossary
Smear campaign
What it means
A smear campaign is what a narcissist does to control the narrative to friends, family, coworkers, or online: pre-emptive stories, subtle hints, outright lies. It's painful because it targets the parts of your reputation you can't defend without looking defensive.
What it can look like
Weeks after you left, mutual friends start acting distant. You find out they've been told a version of the breakup where you were the cruel one and they were 'just trying to hold it together.'
What you can do
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