Communication: Games People Play 4 of 7 in series

 

Part 4: Narrative Confusion: When Reality Keeps Changing

 

Narrative confusion occurs when details, meanings, or interpretations change repeatedly during conflict. One conversation feels settled—then later reframed entirely differently.

Over time, this can lead to:

• self-doubt
• confusion
• loss of trust
• emotional instability

 

People experiencing narrative confusion often ask themselves, “Did I misunderstand?” or “Am I remembering this wrong?”

This pattern may be unintentional, but its impact is significant. Therapy helps slow conversations down, establish shared understanding, and rebuild relational clarity.

Coming next: Avoidance—what happens when silence replaces communication.