It’s just a joke - a narcissist.

How often do you hear that in your narcissistic relationship?

When they insult you — “It’s just a joke.”When they mock you — “It’s just a joke.”When you share your goals, and they tear them down — “It’s just a joke.”When you call out their rage or disrespect — “It’s just a joke.”When they make fun of your appearance, and you speak up — “It’s just a joke.”

It becomes the default response the moment you refuse to quietly accept the hurt.

And then comes the second layer: You’re too sensitive. Too emotional. Overreacting.

But here’s the reality: it isn’t a joke. It’s an insult. And repeated insults dressed up as humour don’t stay harmless. They chip away at your self-esteem over time. They keep you off balance—because the more clarity you gain, the harder it becomes to ignore the pattern of what’s actually happening.

You start questioning yourself: Am I reading this wrong? Should I just laugh it off? Am I being difficult? And slowly, something changes. You become more hesitant to speak up. More cautious about protecting yourself.Less willing to take up space or be fully seen.

There’s a difference between healthy teasing and mocking used as control.

Healthy teasing feels mutual. It feels safe. It feels warm—there’s respect underneath it.

Mocking from someone who wants power over you feels different. It lands sharply. It feels humiliating. It destabilizes you instead of connecting you. Your body knows the difference before your mind is allowed to name it. Did you laugh? Or did you freeze?

That response matters. Your feelings are valid. Your voice matters. And no one gets to dismiss harm with, “It’s just a joke.”

If this resonates with you and you’re ready to untangle what’s been happening in your relationship and rebuild your clarity and confidence, you can book a session with me.