Even when you and your ex are cordial toward one another, divorce is a challenging undertaking. The situation becomes even more complex if you’re divorcing someone who has narcissistic tendencies.
A person who’s narcissistic has an over-inflated sense of self-importance. They can’t think about others when they’re making decisions. Instead, everything has to center around them. Because they live in a world where they’re always right, they often try to twist reality to fit their image of what’s going on.
Emotions fuel a narcissist
A narcissist feels powerful when they can cause others to feel certain emotions. They’ll likely see you as the enemy during the divorce, so they’re going to try to make you feel upset or angry. One of the best defenses against this is the gray rock method, which means you don’t show them any emotion or reaction to whatever antics they try to use.
Proof is critical
Be prepared to be questioned about everything you say. As the narcissist is twisting facts to suit themselves, you’ll have to show what the actual reality is. This can mean keeping receipts to show what you paid for. You should also keep copies of all communication so you can prove what was said when the narcissist tries to change statements.
Narcissists will often try to drag a divorce on indefinitely because they assume they’re wasting your time and money. While you can’t fully prevent this, it may help for you to work with someone who’s familiar with handling legal matters involving a narcissist. Ultimately, you have to ensure you’re protecting your own interests.
