Married to a Narcissist? Here’s How to Leave Them

Many people don’t realize they are married to narcissists until they have been married for many years. Their spouse may show their true colors and become self-centered. They may not even act like they care about you anymore.

Narcissists are good at manipulating their victims. They gaslight and control them. They make their victims question their reality.

Being married to a narcissist can be frustrating. You may even fear for your safety. But that fear increases even more when a person decides to leave. You may be scared to divorce due to this intense fear.

If you’re married to a narcissist, you don’t have to sit in silence. You have options. You can leave if you want. It won’t be easy but it’s not impossible. Here’s what you need to know.

Signs of Narcissism

Are you married to a narcissist? Here are the signs to look for.

• They love bomb you. Love bombing is when someone bombards their partner with affection, strong emotions, and gifts. Love bombing helps the narcissist build a facade of intimacy and trust so their partner will stay in the relationship.
• They gaslight you. This term gaslighting has become popular in recent years, and it refers to the act of invalidating another person’s experience in order to make them question its authenticity. Victims often think they are losing their minds.
• They control you. A narcissist will seek to control their victim because they fear being rejected and abandoned. They may restrict who you spend time with and how much money you have access to.
• They isolate you. Narcissists isolate their partners from loved ones that may point out their manipulative and abusive behaviors. In order to keep you from leaving, a narcissist will convince you to cut off these relationships, often by creating lies about your loved ones.

 How to Leave Safely

Staying married to a narcissist is difficult, but so is leaving. Here are some tips to do so safely:

• Create a safety plan. Your safety may be compromised just after ending your relationship. Determine if your spouse is emotionally, financially, or physically abusive. Contact a lawyer, domestic violence advocate, or therapist before making any moves.
• Gather important documents. Secure copies of identification, financial records, and legal documents and store them in a safe location away from your spouse.
• Establish financial independence. You will need your own finances. Open a separate bank account to start saving money. Look for jobs and other options for financial support.
• Know your legal rights. Consult a lawyer to understand your options regarding divorce, custody, and financial settlements. You may also need to discuss restraining orders.
• Create an exit plan. Write down your steps if it’s safe to do so, and plan when and how to leave (ideally when your spouse is away from home). You will want to avoid confrontation, as narcissists try to guilt, threaten, or manipulate their victims.

Seek Legal Help

Staying married to a narcissist is possible but it’s not an easy route at all. It’s important to know your options for moving forward.

No matter your reason for ending your marriage, Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can help you move forward with ease. Get solid advice today. Schedule a consultation by calling 954-764-4330 or filling out the online form.

Source:

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