Living with someone who has narcissistic traits — whether it's a partner, a parent, or someone else close to you — can feel like constant emotional warfare. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn Baker shares practical, solution-based strategies to help reduce conflict and protect your mental and emotional peace when leaving isn’t yet an option.

Drawing from recent training with Stepping Stones of Life and personal experience, this episode offers clear communication tools, boundary-setting techniques, and calming responses that can help you survive day to day — and remind you that you are not alone.

⚠️ Please note: These strategies are meant to help mitigate, not eliminate, the effects of narcissistic abuse. If your safety is at risk or you feel overwhelmed, you do not have to navigate this alone.

🛠️ In This Episode:

• Understanding narcissistic behavior and common patterns

• Ground rules for emotional protection

• Real-life examples of communication shifts to reduce conflict

• The Grey Rock Method

• Why these tools won’t always work — and why that’s not your fault

• A reminder: You deserve peace, and help is available

📚 Resources & Support:

• The Grey Rock Method- https://psychcentral.com/health/grey-rock-method

• Stepping Stones of Life – https://steppingstonesoflife.org/

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline
  📞 Call 800-799-SAFE (7233)
  💬 Or text "START" to 88788

  🌐 www.thehotline.org

  
  

• Love Is Respect – Especially for younger victims or those unsure🌐 www.loveisrespect.org

  
  

• Almost Oblivious Community on Facebook – Connect with others and share your story

  
  

  🎧 Don't forget to share, rate, and review to help us break the silence on domestic violence.

  If you would like to submit your story or be a guest speaker, please submit a form here! If there are any topics that you think should be covered, please reach out to us!

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REWIND Listen! This is episode 5 & 6 from the beginning of Almost Oblivious!

In this two-part episode, we dive into the complex dynamics of trauma bonding. Starting with love bombing and exploring what this looks like and how abusers create powerful emotional dependencies. Join me as we navigate the stages of this bond, unraveling why it's so hard to break free and how understanding these patterns can be the first step toward healing. In part 2, we dive deeper into the emotional and psychological complexities that keep survivors tied to abusive relationships. We unpack the intricate cycle of manipulation, the devastating effects of gaslighting, and the layered impact of repeated love bombing. This episode provides insights into breaking free from the toxic bonds and offers hope for those seeking to reclaim their lives. Whether you're a survivor, a supporter, or someone wanting to learn more, this episode sheds light on one of the most challenging aspects of abuse.

Resources:

⁠https://health.clevelandclinic.org/gaslighting⁠

⁠https://www.verywellmind.com/gaslighting-examples-7567491⁠

⁠https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7683637/#:~:text=According%20to%20Heim%20et%20al,to%20the%20feelings%20of%20others⁠.

⁠https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327080#long-term-effects⁠

⁠https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/what-is-love-bombing⁠

⁠https://health.clevelandclinic.org/love-bombing⁠

⁠https://www.thehotline.org/resources/signs-of-love-bombing/⁠

⁠https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/love-bombing

Join Our Facebook Group Here: ⁠⁠Almost Oblivious Community⁠

🎧 Don't forget to share, rate, and review to help us break the silence on domestic violence.

If you would like to submit your story or be a guest speaker, please submit a form here! If there are any topics that you think should be covered, please reach out to us!

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Before there was romance, there was friendship—the kind built on late-night talks, inside jokes, and unconditional support. In this special episode, Autumn Baker and her husband Zack sit down to share how their marriage grew from years of best-friendship, trust, and shared adventures.

From goofy moments over Goldfish crackers to an ice cream shop proposal at Bruster’s, their story is full of love, laughter, and healing. Tune in as they reflect on how building a solid friendship first laid the foundation for the safe, healthy love they share today. 🍦❤️

Join Our Facebook Group Here: ⁠Almost Oblivious Community

🎧 Don't forget to share, rate, and review to help us break the silence on domestic violence.

If you would like to submit your story or be a guest speaker, please submit a form here! If there are any topics that you think should be covered, please reach out to us!

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