Reclaiming Life, One Story at a Time

Specifically, I survived a 17-year relationship with a narcissist.  So what is a narcissist?  The Mayo Clinic officially describe Narcissistic Personality Disorder ("NPD") like this: 

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"Causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships" is an understatement.  People with NPD, or even just people with high narcissistic traits, often psychologically and emotionally mistreat those around them.  This is so common that there's even a name for it -- "narcissistic abuse."  Narcissists all seem to share the same playbook.  They shower you with affection, shift to criticisms and insults, pull away or ignore you, then pull you back in with false promises or sudden kindness.  They refuse to take responsibility (for anything!), isolate you from friends and family, deny facts or twist the truth to make you doubt yourself, ignore you, and/or withhold affection as a form of punishment.  In my case, all of this was coupled with constant demeaning comments, name-calling, constant profanities, and guilt trips whenever my attention wasn't on him (even if it was on our kids or work instead).  The overall result of this kind of abuse can include self-doubt about your thoughts, feelings, and emotions; constantly feeling like you're walking on eggshells to avoid outbursts; anxiety; depression; and post-traumatic stress.  

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My divorce from my narcissistic ex was finalized on March 31, 2026, but he continues to plague my life.  Even so, I am slowly beginning to recover, and I know I was already better then as compared to May 2025 when he was first removed from our home pursuant to an Emergency Protective Order.   Still, it's going to be a long journey to fully recover who I was before I crossed paths with my narcissistic ex.

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I was telling a friend about my ex's latest antics one day, and I realized it sounded so crazy that I wouldn't have believed it if not for the fact that I lived it myself.  All I can do at this point is shake my head and laugh...because what else are you going to do? 

Hopefully sharing these stories will provide you with a little entertainment.  (And don't worry, I have plenty of crazy stories that don't involve my ex to help lighten the mood!)  Hopefully sharing these stories will provide me with a little therapeutic relief.  And hopefully these stories will help at least one woman out currently experiencing narcissistic abuse there realize she isn't alone.  

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So come join me on this grand adventure.  I can't wait to find out what happens next!    

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*   I am using my real name because it is common enough, but I'm using initials or pseudonyms for everyone else to protect their privacy.  The list of pseudonyms and explanations of why I chose them can be found on the "People You Should Know" page.

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