Divorcing A Narcissist: The Gaslighting, Lies, And Smear Campaigns
No one gets married thinking it’ll end in fear, confusion, and a constant fight to prove the truth. But that’s what it’s like when you’re married to a narcissistic man.
The abuse doesn’t always show up in bruises or yelling. Abuse shows up in other forms. For example, how he speaks to you and the looks he gives you. The constant blame. And the worst part? You start feeling like you’re losing your grip on your life.
And when you finally decide to leave, when you find the strength to say “enough,” that is when the real games begin. It is all narcissist divorce tactics.
It Wasn’t Just Narcissism, It Was Abuse
He didn’t have to throw a punch to hurt you. Maybe you’ve heard him say things like:
- “You were in my way.”
- “If you hadn’t acted like that, I wouldn’t have reacted.”
- “No one’s going to believe you anyway.”
- “You always twist things around.”
- “You’re imagining things.”
- “You’re the abusive one, not me.”
- “You made me do it.”
Everything became your fault: his anger, his actions, his lies. Even the moments you flinched or broke down crying, he turned them on you. And when he did go too far? He’d spin it into a new lie. Say you did it to yourself. That you are dramatic or unstable.
What makes all of this even harder is that, behind your back, this narcissist is planting stories. Quiet little lies. Telling the neighbors you’ve been acting strange, warning mutual friends that you’re not quite yourself. So when the truth finally does come out, people already have doubt in their minds. That was the plan all along.
They Erase Evidence And Twist Reality
Trying to document what’s happening feels like a war in itself. You take pictures. Save text messages. But then, one day, you notice it is gone and deleted from your phone. And when you bring it up, he stares at you with that satan-span smile, like prove it.
Blames you, you must have deleted the photos
- “It's your fault.”
- “You were in my way.”
- “You have no proof.”
- "You always blame me when you lose things."
This manipulative man will continue to gaslight you until you don’t know which way is up. But deep down, you know the truth and that something is very wrong with this man.
Leaving The Marriage Doesn’t End The Nightmare
You might think divorcing the narcissist will bring you peace, but with a narcissist, it’s more like lighting a fuse on the bomb of your life. To them, divorce isn’t just a legal process. It’s time to take center stage. And now, they get to perform, be the fake actor they have always been.
Suddenly, the same man who couldn’t cry when his son died is shedding fake tears in court. Breaking down in front of everyone. Saying you were the one that tricked him. All while dabbing at dry eyes with a tissue he brought just for show.
It’s horrible. Watching someone who mocked your pain for years suddenly play the victim. But you’ve seen the real version. The one who gave you those bruises. The one who abused you and blamed and punished you. The one who twisted everything around so you were always to blame. (divorce narcissist)
They Set You Up to Be Disbelieved
One of the hardest things is trying to explain your story when he’s already spent months, maybe years, painting you as the unstable one. People start questioning you. Even those close to you. Because he was planting those seeds long before you ever thought about speaking out.
You say something happened, and suddenly it’s, “Are you sure?” or “That doesn’t sound like him.”
But it is him. You lived it. You know. He is evil!
You’re Not Alone: Even If It Feels That Way
The isolation is real. He makes sure of that. Slowly cutting you off from support. Making you feel like no one will believe you. But the truth? What happened to you is real. It matters. And you’re not the only one who’s been through it.
You might feel ashamed for staying. For how far things went. But know that none of this was your fault. You were surviving. You were holding on. You were doing what you needed to do to stay safe, to keep some form of peace back in your life.
And now you’re doing the bravest thing of all. You’re breaking away from this evil man and his manipulation tactics.
Taking Back Your Life Starts With The Truth
Let's get one thing straight here: this was not your fault. How someone reacts is on them, not blaming somebody else for their actions. If you felt unsafe, silenced, or manipulated, that is never ok.
Here is the thing, divorcing a narcissist isn’t just leaving a horrible marriage and so called lame excuse for a man. It’s about reclaiming your voice, sanity, your life back and building self confidence.
Although the road ahead may seem like a long, challenging nightmare, there is a better life waiting for you.
Remember, there is an amazing version of you that recognizes her worth, trusts her instincts, and sees things clearly. And that version? She is not going back.
Narcissists really are the most horrible of people. They have no empathy or regard for anyone but themselves. It's the most difficult when kids are involved.
ReplyDeleteNavigating any type of relationship with a narcissist feels like an absolutely impossible feat. I can't even imagine how awful it would be being married to one!
ReplyDeleteOh jeez, being married to someone who is a narcissist sounds like an absolutely hellish experience. I couldn't even imagine how awful that would be for someone!
ReplyDeleteWow. I can't imagine what it's like for someone to be married to someone that is a narcissist. Just reading your post made my heart break. I mean how could someone be so mean and selfish and destroy someone with lies. Thank you for bringing awareness that there are some folks who are narcissist and they roam amongst us.
ReplyDeleteMaureen | www.littlemisscasual.com
Very scary. Narcissist's are the worst
ReplyDeleteYour article provides a comprehensive overview of the emotional and legal hurdles faced when divorcing a narcissist. Emphasizing self-care and establishing firm boundaries are is so important
ReplyDeleteWow, this hit home. The part about the gaslighting and smear campaigns, so real. People have no idea how manipulative narcissists can be until they’re in it. Thanks for writing this, it makes me feel a little less alone.
ReplyDeleteUgh, the lies and playing the victim, they always twist the story to make themselves look like the hero. I’m in the middle of this now, and reading your blog honestly helps. Thank you for putting this out there.
ReplyDeleteKeeping records and limiting communication saved me from so much emotional damage. Love that you included tips for protecting your sanity too.
ReplyDeleteI had a friend who married narcissist. The concerning thing was she was a narcissist herself. It's so hard getting out of these relationships.
ReplyDeleteThis is never fun. I have dealt with some narcissists before and they drive me insane. I mean, a freaking one is the current president, so I find I am constantly irritated.
ReplyDeleteI could never imagine going through this. Both of my sisters dated narcissists and abusers, so it was really hard when I had to see what they went through. I hate that anyone has to deal with this at all.
ReplyDeleteI know some narcissists and it is so difficult to try to navigate anything with them. These are all good points and are relatable.
ReplyDeleteThis post is absolutely spot on! It is super important to openly talk and discuss these things because this empowers anyone being subjected to this and helps them know it's not them. Mel W x
ReplyDeleteI’ve been through a divorce with a narcissist, and the smear campaigns and gaslighting nearly broke me. Your words made me feel seen!
ReplyDeleteWow this was such a good read and people will be surprised to know that there are a lot of women in a relationship with a NARCISSISTS. I pray this post awakens someone
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love my dad, I must say he was a Narcissist husband to my mother. They are separated now but I am now ready to support my mum all the way if/when she decides to divorce my dad.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a horrible situation to be in and so tiring. These are great tips for anyone needing to escape from a narcissistic person, I'll be sure to tell my friends and family!
ReplyDeletesuch great tips to help deal with narcissists, and especially helpful for those in a relationship with (now or in the past) with one
ReplyDeleteIts a horrible situation to be in. I was with a narcissit for 12 years and it sure was draining. I wish I knew about these tips before
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post to all of us especially to those individuals who will enter a serious relationship. Thus things are really important to read because this will measure your worth in a relationship.
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