trauma bonding is when narcissists act out their symptoms but selling it by brainwashing as valid ingredients of 'love, friendship'
an example of trauma bonding is explained with 'stockholm syndrome', when the captives 'befriended' their captor as if it concerned an acquaintance.
also keep in mind, that narcissists using 'the benefit of the doubt' (which is part of narcissistic gaslighting) in order to constantly make others wonder if something (fill in: was not on purpose, because they did not understand, because they are on their way to 'understand and improve themselves' in the situation, 'didn't really happen since they act as if it did not happen/downplay the particular situation, 'etc').
It should not be confused with if someone not narcissistic makes mistakes.
If you want to discern, if someone is perhaps narcissistic/has pathological narcissism, you may look at 'the tree e's' (sense of entitlement, lack of empathy, exploitation of the situation), to help you discern more
'note': the picture is one of many (but valid) comparisons of unhealthy and healthy behavior' the 'list' may be longer, while for religious persons who have bee taught more about healthy relationships 'of course' the 'list' is G'd centered, yet G'd does not carry 'lists with good and bad points' around with Him although He may keep a 'record' of our merits and remembers, them, as He knows everything and seeks positive change (by 'prayer', relationships, and for instance by consistent good teaching)
also see elisabeth shaw's 'the narcissist's envy' ( https://wasitme.blog/2024/03/30/who-are-narcissists-attracted-to ); they are envious of others, for various reasons, sometimes of persons who may be co-dependent and are prone to trauma-bond with them without understanding that this happens, so those who are 'humble' (not fake humble. for instance those who do not wish to bring to the forefront their positive traits, virtues, qualities (of which they may not even think but is spotted by narcissists), and who will not immediately only seek out 'positive traits and virtues' in others because they seek to improve relationships (like empaths); they are more focused on developing the contextual meaning of relationships
and co-dependents (ps ross rosenberg is an expert on co-dependency) may become entangled in 'trauma bonds'.
'so' empaths and co-dependents are really considered 'weak' by narcissists, and thus it is best to discern that which the other really values, and trust others more if you can 'mirror' real and proper values not only by words, and notice somewhat of a consistency therein.
'oops' I hope that this is readable; sorry if it is not; if necessary, I I shall edit my explanation
