Think your husband is a narcissist? Here are some of the signs to watch for:
- Lives in a fantasy world with delusions of grandeur
- Needs to have constant praise and admiration
- Is controlling and manipulating
- Is self-centered with a grandiose sense of his own importance
- Exploits others without feeling guilt or shame
- Is frequently demeaning, belittling, or intimidating
If you’re married to a person that has a narcissistic personality disorder, your day to day reality is a tough one to exist in, not only for you, but for your children. A person with this type of personality disorder emotionally abuses their spouse, children, and other family members. Many have anger management issues. Their behavior towards their family is considered to be a form of domestic violence. But, divorcing a narcissistic husband is not always without its dangers.
Because a narcissist often lives in his own fantasy world, anyone that attempts to disrupt it could suffer negative consequences such as physical threats and abuse. Divorcing a narcissist can also put your children at danger because he may take his anger out on them. If your husband is wealthy or powerful, he will want to cause you as much financial distress as possible.
You Deserve Attention
Narcissists are masters when it comes to manipulation and can launch attacks against their victims that create utter confusion and lead to despair, desperation, and depression. Narcissists love to win so this makes divorcing them a real challenge. They have unrealistic expectations, don’t want to compromise, and the divorce process becomes a type of game to them.
If you’re considering leaving a narcissist and ending your relationship, there are some tips on divorce to help you get through the process. Make sure you keep your emotions in check. In other words, act, but refrain from reacting. If you’re having trouble controlling your emotions, start by getting help from a therapist. Therapy can not only provide you with a way to learn to control your emotions, but you can also get some insight into your husband’s behavior as well.
Set your goals and make a plan for the divorce process beforehand so you’re better prepared to deal with a potentially volatile situation. Turn the tables on your narcissist husband by using his conduct against him. For example, he may fail to pay or delay payment of child support to exert some sort of control over you. By failing to pay child support that’s lawfully due, he is in contempt of a court order.
Legal Advice You Can Count on
Perhaps, the most important tip on getting divorced from a narcissist is to hire an experienced divorce attorney. At Buncher Family Law, we’ll advise you on where to start with your divorce and then provide guidance and support throughout the process.
Divorcing a narcissist can be extremely challenging. We’ll help you build a solid plan of attack, and then will help you to execute it so that you can transition to new beginnings. Contact our office to schedule a consultation.