Understanding the Martyr Complex: Why Some People Play the Victim
Understanding the Martyr Complex: Why Some People Play the Victim We’ve all met someone who constantly makes you feel like they’re always sacrificing, always giving, and never getting anything in return. It’s that person who seems to thrive on self-sacrifice, almost to the point where you start wondering if they enjoy being the victim. If this sounds familiar, you’re probably dealing with someone who has what’s known as a **martyr complex**. So, what’s that exactly? Well, people with a martyr complex often place themselves in situations where they feel victimized, neglected, or underappreciated—and they tend to remind everyone about it. Think of it as a subtle (or not so subtle) way of saying, "Look how much I do for everyone, and no one appreciates me!" It’s like their emotional currency is the sympathy and attention they get from others. Let’s dive into what causes this behavior and why some people fall into this self-destructive pattern. Why Do People Develop a Martyr Co...