Common tactics narcissists use to control relationships revealed by therapist
Topics: TikTok, Sex and Relationships
Niamh Shackleton
Featured Image Credit: TikTok/drnaelmft / Tara Moore/Getty
Topics: TikTok, Sex and Relationships
A therapist has shared a tactic that's commonly used in by narcissists in a relationship.
Dr. Nadine Macaluso is the ex wife of famed former stock broker Jordan Belfort, who was portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street.
Meanwhile, Margot Robbie starred as Macaluso in the critically acclaimed movie.
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It's believed the pair had a very turbulent marriage (as seen in the film), and Macaluso and Belfort went on to divorce 2005.
Macaluso is now a trained therapist and prides herself on 'helping women leave abusive relationships', as per her TikTok page.
In one recent video, she explained a tactics that narcissists use in a relationship - something known as 'double standards'.
"Today I want to talk to you about the sneaky tactics that narcissists use when they abuse you and it's called double standards," the therapist said at the beginning of her video.
She then proceeded to give an example, explaining that if a man is allowed to have numerous affairs because 'men have their needs', but if you even look at another guy then you're labelled a 'wh*re' - that's double standards.
Another example Macaluso gave was if your partner constantly shouts at you, but if you raise your voice back then you're seen as 'hysterical'.
"They can be open and flexible with their schedule but they want you to account for every second of every minute of every day," she continued to say while giving more examples.
"He can point out your flaws and criticize you all the time, right? But, the littlest slight that you tell him and he goes nuts."
According to therapist Macaluso, narcissists 'live by a different set of rules'.
She urged other women to look out for these kind of traits as they can be abusive.
"If you're experiencing them, run like the hell," Macaluso added.
As well as sharing advice to others on her page, Macaluso has also used the platform to reflect on her marriage to Belfort.
Speaking about the moment she left him, Macaluso - who shares two kids with Belfort - admitted that she was 'afraid'.
"I was afraid and confused and filled with self doubt," she shared.
"But you have to watch what you tell yourself.
"You must tell yourself positive affirmations such as 'I can do it, I'm strong', and 'I am worthy of love'."
The therapist is now married to John Macaluso, while Belfort wed Cristina Invernizzi in 2021 - his fourth wife.