If you are divorcing a narcissist, you know just how challenging it can be. These individuals are masters of manipulation and can make your life difficult. However, it’s possible to divorce a narcissist successfully.
Educate yourself about narcissism
A narcissist is someone who suffers from a personality disorder that causes them to have an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration and a lack of empathy. Narcissists are often very charming and can be extremely convincing. However, they also tend to be manipulative and exploitative. When it comes to issues, such as divorce, a narcissist will often try to take control and make the process as difficult as possible. Understanding this and other key characteristics of narcissism can make you better equipped to deal with the narcissist.
Build a strong support system
This might include friends, family members, therapists or counselors. These people can provide you with much-needed emotional support and guidance. It’s also important to have a solid support system in place because a narcissist will often try to isolate you from your loved ones.
Create a solid divorce strategy
If you’re divorcing a narcissist, it’s essential to have a solid divorce strategy in place. This means knowing what you want and preparing yourself to fight for it. It’s also important to be realistic about what you can expect. For example, a narcissist is likely to try to delay the divorce process as much as possible or refuse to negotiate in good faith. You need to take these potential roadblocks into account when planning your divorce strategy.
Consider your children
A narcissist may try to use your children as pawns in the divorce, so it’s important to be prepared for this. You should also be prepared for the possibility that a narcissist will try to turn your children against you. If you have children, you’ll need to take their best interests into account when making your divorce plans.
Unfortunately, divorcing a narcissist often means having to deal with manipulative and abusive behavior. This can include everything from verbal abuse to financial manipulation. It’s important to be prepared for this and have a plan in place to deal with it.