From my personal experience and through supporting many adult children of narcissists, it's often eye-opening to realize that the so-called "enabler" parent isn't simply a bystander but frequently a covert narcissist themselves. What happens in these family dynamics is that the overt narcissistic parent’s abusive behavior is more visible, but the enabler parent quietly maintains the status quo by prioritizing their own comfort over their child’s emotional safety. This covert narcissism includes manipulative tactics such as playing the victim, denying abuse, or minimizing its impact. I have seen so many cases where clients were initially relieved to have one parent seen as less harmful, only to find that the enabler parent's covert abuse was equally damaging—just less obvious. Acknowledging this reality is crucial in the recovery journey. It means understanding that protection from abuse was the responsibility of both parents, and when one parent enables abuse, they share accountability. This awareness helps break the cycle of denial and can empower you to set healthier boundaries. In healing from such family trauma, it's important to recognize these patterns and validate your experiences without blaming yourself for your parents’ failures. Support groups and therapy focused on narcissistic abuse recovery often emphasize that emotional safety is a fundamental right—something your enabler parent chose not to prioritize. Remember, recognizing both overt and covert narcissistic behaviors enables a more comprehensive healing and reclaiming of your emotional well-being.