Ep 132: 💔 Should I Stay or Go? Understanding the True Cost of Narcissistic Abuse

Welcome back to one of the most important conversations we’ve had on this podcast. If you’ve already listened to Part 1 with Kimberly Weeks (linked here), you know that we explored the foundational differences between general abuse and narcissistic abuse—and how insidious it can be. But today, we go deeper.

This episode is for those standing at the edge of the question:
“Do I stay or do I go?”

Kimberly returns not to sugarcoat the process, but to shine a spotlight on the truth. She shares from personal experience and years of coaching survivors of narcissistic abuse. The key message? You are not crazy. You are not alone. And while leaving may bring pain, staying may cost you your soul—or your life.

In the free portion of this episode and post, I want to give you some grounding insights. Because so many survivors are still searching for permission to leave.

“If it truly is narcissistic abuse, that partner is not going to change.” — Kimberly Weeks

Three Initial Signs You May Be Ready to Leave

1. You’re at the end of your efforts.
   You’ve read the books, tried the therapists, shifted your boundaries, and begged for change—and nothing lasts.

2. Your pain now exceeds your hope.
   You don’t feel hope anymore. You feel dread, confusion, illness. Hope, once your lifeline, has become a trap.

3. Your body is starting to break down.
   If you’re not sleeping, can’t function, or have physical symptoms (like autoimmune disorders), your body is screaming the truth even if your brain can’t make sense of it yet.

Kimberly’s story mirrors what I hear all the time from clients:
“I stayed for my kids.”
“I didn’t think I was allowed to leave because of my faith.”
“I was afraid I wouldn’t survive the court system.”

And yet, she left. She rebuilt. She healed.

“Since 2018, I have not had a single MS symptom. I am healing.” — Kimberly Weeks

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