Living with a narcissist is challenging because of their over-inflated sense of self-worth and their way of twisting the truth to fit their own needs. Once you reach your limit with trying to live with them, you may decide it’s time to end the marriage.
Divorcing a narcissist comes with a difficult set of challenges, particularly if the divorce wasn’t their idea. If you’re in this position, remembering these three tips may help you as you go through the dramatic divorce process that they’re likely going to cause.
1. Prepare thorough documentation
The lies and twisted reality that you dealt with during the marriage aren’t going to disappear during the divorce. You’ll need to ensure you have as much evidence and documentation as you can gather about everything related to the divorce. This can include receipts and communication, which can be critical to showing the truth.
2. Remove all emotions
Narcissists thrive on being able to invoke emotions in others. You can remove that possibility if you keep all emotions out of your reactions when the narcissist is around. This is known as the gray rock method and can help you to remain as in control as possible during the divorce.
3. Plan for delays
Another common tactic of a narcissist is to try to drag the divorce on so they don’t give you the divorce you want. They know that dragging it on can take a toll on your finances and emotions, so they’ll use that feel powerful. Working with someone who’s familiar with the many tactics of a narcissist may help you to make it through the divorce with minimal stress.