Living with a person with narcissistic tendencies can be challenging, but divorcing one is even more complex, especially when you share children. There are many things that you have to consider as you’re going through this situation.
One of the most important things to remember is that you can’t make a claim that your ex is a narcissist unless that diagnosis is made by a licensed medical professional. If there’s not an official diagnosis, you will have to rely on other facts, such as records of their behavior, during the custody case.
Know the nature of narcissistic tendencies
A person who has narcissistic tendencies is self-centered and doesn’t have the ability to empathize with others. They live in a fantasy land that’s based on what they feel is best for them. Most individuals who have these tendencies will twist the truth so it fits their needs. They may make false accusations against you and try to blame you for their actions.
Keep proof of everything
The tendency to misstate facts means that you need to keep proof of everything related to the divorce and your children. This can include receipts for purchases or screenshots of conversations. In some cases, using a parenting app that can be monitored is the best option when dealing with this situation.
Leave emotions out of the conversations
Many individuals who have narcissistic tendencies get power from invoking reactions from others. By keeping emotions out of the conversations, you can keep that power away from them. It may not be easy to do this in person, so it might be best to avoid verbal conversations. If you use digital communication, you can write your reply and read it to ensure it clearly states the facts without emotion.
These cases can be complex, so it’s best to work with someone who’s familiar with these matters. Ultimately, you need to do what’s best for yourself and your children.