Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful and thorough response. It is so crucially important to listen to one another and deeply understand the pain you describe so well.

I'm deeply sorry to hear of the abuse you have endured and understand why you feel I am being idealistic and over-simplistic.

It also sounds to me like you are assuming I have not had to "actually navigate a relationship of any import with a narcissist." We all deal with pain differently and I don't believe there is a right or a wrong way. For me I strive to understand all angles. I am on a personal mission not to oversimplify right and wrong bad and good victim and perpetrator. My aunt murdered my grandmother and I have to learn how to live with this. There are many ways to do so. For me personally the way that is working is to try to see them both as lovable, imperfect humans. I have not an ounce of judgement for any of my family members who are taking one side or another.

Anyway, thank you again for reading the piece and leaving your story in a place like this for so many people to see it and hear and honor your truth.