In this episode of Mental Flog, Jeff and Bishop dive deep into the complexities of abuse, narcissism, and toxic relationships—exploring how these terms have been shaped and sometimes oversimplified in today’s culture, especially on platforms like TikTok.

From gaslighting and love bombing to the buzzword narcissist, we take a hard look at the real impact of these behaviors and how they show up in relationships. Jeff shares a personal story of emotional abuse and self-discovery, while Bishop brings his own insights on how these labels are often misused and misunderstood.

We also break down the Dark Triad personality traits—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—and explore how these traits manifest in toxic behaviors. Plus, we discuss the dance between narcissists and codependents, and how understanding these patterns can help us grow and heal.

Tune in for a candid and thought-provoking discussion on the difference between deliberate abuse vs toxic tendencies, how to identify narcissistic manipulation, and the importance of accountability and self-awareness in breaking unhealthy cycles.

Topics covered:

• Narcissism and emotional abuse
• The Dark Triad personality traits
• Gaslighting, love bombing, and toxic behaviors
• Codependency and healing from toxic relationships
• How to spot narcissistic manipulation