Make no mistake; even in the best of times, life with a narcissist is never a walk in the park. Throw relationship differences into the mix and things can quickly escalate from bad to worse.
Basically, a narcissist tends to exhibit a sense of entitlement, grandiosity and a lack of empathy. And as you can imagine, these among other traits, can make divorcing one an emotionally-draining experience, to say the least.
If you find yourself in a position where you have to divorce a narcissist, it is in your best interest that you come up with a game plan. Here are three helpful tips that can help you divorce a narcissist without losing your mind in the process.
Set clear boundaries
Even if the divorce is amicable, it is important that you set some boundaries once you resolve to part ways. This way, you will maintain control over your life during those emotionally turbulent times. And if your spouse is difficult, setting clear boundaries will ensure that they do not cross certain red lines. Remember, narcissists thrive in chaos. Without clear boundaries, they will not hesitate to seize every opportunity available to get under your skin.
Don’t walk alone
Divorcing a narcissist is a tough marathon that requires a lot of stamina so you can run this race through to the finishing line. If you feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek help. Some of the sources you can turn to for emotional support include a licensed therapist, divorce support groups in your area, your minister or a trusted friend.
Protecting your interests
Divorce under any given set of circumstances is tough. If the spouse in question is a narcissist, you need to have a plan. Learning more about Illinois divorce laws can help you safeguard your rights and interests when severing marital ties with a narcissist.