Don’t let them be in control of what kind of person you are. No one should ever have that power in your life.
Who do you want to be?
A peaceful person?
A compassionate person?
A respectful person?
Who do you want to be for your kids? What do you want them to see in you? You get to decide who you are.
The covert narcissist in your life is showing their true colors over and over. That’s on them! That is theirs to endure. So be it. Let them.
But don’t let them change you. Don’t give them that power. You get to decide who you are.
Be the peaceful and respectful person you want to be. Not because they deserve it. It isn’t about them. Do it because you deserve it. You have the right to be peaceful and happy.
I can treat him with respect because that is who I am.
I’m not saying you should stay. I will NOT stay and let him continue to treat me that way.
I simply walk away. I have better things to do with my time than to stay in any abusive conversation with anyone. I have better things to do with my time than to stay and argue with an abusive person or defend myself against an abusive person.
That is a waste of my time, and a waste of your time.
I want to put my time and my mental energy into positive things in life. Into relationships that matter. My children, my friends, my family members that aren't abusive, my hobbies, my work, and so on.
If they want to be an abusive jerk, let them. But don’t let them turn you into anything you don’t want to be. Don’t give them that power, or anyone else. You get to decide who you are.