How Does a Narcissist React to Divorce?
Narcissists are notoriously difficult to divorce. They often react with rage, resentment, and even vindictiveness. Their inflated sense of self-importance means they feel entitled to have things their way, and they’re not afraid to lash out in order to get what they want.
This can make the divorce process very messy and emotionally charged. If you’re considering divorcing a narcissist, it’s important to be prepared for their reaction.
When a narcissist gets divorced, they usually react in one of two ways: with rage or with indifference. If they feel like they are losing control of the situation, they may lash out and try to sabotage the proceedings. Or, if they feel like they are winning, they may simply walk away and not look back.
In either case, it is important to be prepared for their reaction and to have a solid plan in place.
Stages of Divorcing a Narcissist
Divorcing a narcissist can be one of the most difficult and emotionally draining experiences a person can go through. Here are the four stages you can expect to encounter when divorcing a narcissist: 1. The Discard Stage
This is the stage where the narcissist will suddenly lose all interest in you and do everything they can to push you away. They may even start dating other people right in front of you or make false accusations against you in order to turn your friends and family against you. This is their way of trying to control and manipulate you into submission.
2. The Hoovering Stage After pushing you away, the narcissist will then try to suck you back in with promises of change or grandiose gestures. They may say all the right things and act like they’re truly sorry for what they’ve done, but it’s only an act.
This is their way of trying to control you emotionally so that they can keep abusing you. 3. The Courtroom Battle Stage If divorce becomes inevitable, the narcissist will do everything they can to drag it out and make it as difficult as possible for you.
They will use any tactic they can think of – lies, manipulation, gaslighting – to try and win in court. They want to punish you for daring to leave them and will stop at nothing to try and make your life a living hell during this process.
How Do Narcissists Act During a Divorce?
Narcissists are known for being self-absorbed, manipulative, and lacking in empathy. So, it’s no surprise that they often act out during a divorce. Here are some common ways that narcissists behave during this process:
1. They may try to control the situation by controlling their ex-partner. For example, they may try to dictate how much time their ex spends with the kids or what kind of financial support they receive. 2. They may use the divorce as an opportunity to take revenge on their ex-partner.
This might involve trying to ruin their reputation or making false accusations against them. 3. They may withdraw from the situation altogether and refuse to participate in any way. This can make the divorce process even more difficult for everyone involved.
4. They may try to manipulate their children into taking sides in the divorce. This can cause lasting damage to relationships between parents and children. 5. They may use any assets they have to gain an advantage in the divorce proceedings (e.g., using money to hire a better lawyer).
Is a Divorce Hard for a Narcissist?
No definitive answer exists to this question as everyone experiences and copes with divorce differently. That said, it is generally accepted that going through a divorce can be tough for anyone – even more so when narcissism is involved. Narcissists are known for being self-absorbed, egotistical, and lacking in empathy.
This combination of traits can make them particularly difficult to deal with during a divorce. On one hand, they may be completely unwilling to compromise or budge on any issue, making the process drag out needlessly. On the other hand, they may become so wrapped up in their own emotions and needs that they completely ignore their ex-partner’s perspective, making it seem like they don’t care about anyone but themselves.
In either case, divorcing a narcissist can be an uphill battle. If you’re currently going through this process yourself, it’s important to seek out support from friends, family members, or even a therapist who can help you navigate these waters.
How Do Narcissists Heal After Divorcing?
Narcissists are known for being self-absorbed, egotistical, and lacking in empathy. So, it’s no surprise that divorcing a narcissist can be a difficult and emotionally draining process. Narcissists often have an inflated sense of self-worth and view themselves as superior to others, which can make them feel entitled and unafraid to use manipulation or even force to get what they want.
This entitlement can lead them to be controlling, abusive, and unwilling to compromise, making divorce a long and painful process.
So how do narcissists heal after divorcing? In short, they don’t.
Narcissists often struggle with accepting responsibility for their actions and tend to blame others for their own problems. This lack of accountability means that they are unlikely to seek therapy or counseling to help deal with the aftermath of their divorce. Instead, they may try to sweep the experience under the rug and move on as quickly as possible without looking back.
This isn’t to say that all narcissists will react this way after divorcing – some may be able to reflect on their mistakes and learn from them – but healing is not something that comes naturally to most narcissists. If you’re divorcing a narcissist, it’s important to be prepared for a long and difficult road ahead.
Narcissist’s Reactions to Abandonment, Separation, and Divorce
Conclusion
Narcissists often react negatively to divorce. They may become angry and aggressive, or they may withdraw from the relationship entirely. Narcissists may also try to manipulate their former partners in order to get them to stay in the relationship.