Editor’s Note: This SPATH Tale was submitted by the Lovefraud reader who posts by the name “stronginthecity.”
I am currently in a relationship with a sociopath. I’ve been with him since June 2013. I was with him before. That relationship ended in 2006, leaving me jobless and depressed because he left the relationship abruptly and literally disappeared.
I am a medical professional, so I am the typical target I guess.
He resurfaced last year proclaiming his love for me and how much he missed me — giving three or four reasons, explanations why he left. I kept tabs on him through the years from time to time and found out he was in prison in 2009 for drug charges.
He is a constant liar and manipulator and we had a “chance” meeting in a drugstore parking lot where I had never been before in February 2013.
Again he disappeared then reappeared around May 2013. I saw him drive past my house many times. He never tried to contact me until June of 2013 when he got my phone number from a mutual friend.
I had just started dating again and was on a first date with a man when he called me. The calls were blocked and I didn’t listen to the messages until the next day.
He said that he was at a street festival and “why don’t you answer your phone” and “you should meet me”. I didn’t even know it was him. I had an idea but wasn’t sure.
A few weeks later, exactly the time I was leaving for work, he called again from a blocked number and I answered. It was him telling me he was working in my state, when he was really 2,000 miles away with his wife and children, saying he wanted to meet me for dinner. I agreed to meet him and before I knew it I was in deep again.
He actually did get divorced from his wife, but now the wife has moved to my area and things are again in the crazy stage. I have caught him in numerous lies and am certain he has cheated multiple times but I never actually caught him.
I have been back and forth trying to establish no contact but somehow I always end up back with him as he makes me believe the lies and sucks me into the drama. He loves me. I am the only one yet other women, who he claims are friends call his phone.
I also believe he has made copies of my house keys and comes into my house when I am at work.
He has not held down any steady job since June 2013, thank goodness I am full time employed but he knows my work schedule and keeps tabs on me. He tells me I am crazy when I question the nonsense. He lies about his whereabouts and actually gives me “clues” just to make me jealous. I am at wits end right now as he is trying to wiggle his way back into my life.
The last time I saw him was Halloween weekend, after an argument again about his whereabouts.
I need help to maintain no contact as he is texting me with the, “I’m a good guy story, I miss you” again. Of course we have an incredible sexual relationship and he swears he does not want anyone else, and has not been with another woman since June 2013.
My gut is telling me he is lying and I know I am right.
Unfortunately, I had a setback and saw him last weekend and during this week. Thank goodness he had a trip planned during our no contact and I am glad he is gone as I found myself making life plans with this man again.
He has been on his best behavior since I agreed to see him Saturday night. He spent the night Saturday and Sunday. He went to work Monday and Tuesday night and came over again making me dinner, flowers, my favorite wine and worked on my house. The whole nine yards. He left Thursday morning because he wanted to see his kids that he has not seen in over a year.
I am glad he is there as I need this time to regroup and make sense, crazy sense of this entire situation. I will continue to post and read on your Lovefraud because it’s so helpful to me. I know that I need to stay away from this man ”¦ he was talking about getting married again. He said lets write up a prenup and get married because he loves me, blah blah blah.
I DON’T TRUST HIM.
I left him alone in my home again. I need to end this once and for all.
KeepingOn and Remembertoforget,
How are you doing?
I hope you are having a nice peaceful weekend.
Today is a couch movie day for me.
So many things swimming around in my head right now.
I had a dream last night about the disordered one..
It was so telling.
I was at the hospital with him and he was dressed up, a disguise but I knew it was him laying there(many sympathy trips to the hospital)
It was like a clown costume but I knew it was him.
I saw his name like on a doctors order or something like that.
Then we were outside somewhere and he looked like him.
He was saying something telling me that he knows he is a low life scum bag and just can’t help himself using people.
Then out of nowhere a woman came down on a rope all dressed in a black slut outfit and had a $ sign on her leg.
He just looked at me with that stupid look on his face saying this is what I do and went to her.
UGH…
I’m not upset.
It’s my minds way of releasing.
I am feeling sad today, not because of him but grieving the loss of my ex husband.
He was not the best husband and he did tell me years ago that he was sorry for not being a good husband but he was an awesome friend and father to my daughter.
I am praying for us all to release and let it go.
Life is now and it’s precious.
XOXO,
Stronginthecity
Strong,
Hi. I hope you are feeling ok today, taking it easy. It’s never easy to lose someone, we know. I hope your daughter is hanging in there the best she can.
I painted my studio all weekend, so I didn’t really do my rest thing. Lol.
I hope md23 is ok. The story sounds all too familiar. It’s overwhelming sometimes. What do you do when they are living in your place??
I hope everyone is doing well- Kitty, Ameille, i’m sure they are…I bet KO is for sure!
I pray for everyone. Life is so precious, and it’s all we got.
xoxoxoxoooo
Remembertoforget,
I am doing ok.
Thank you.
My dear daughter…thank you for thinking of her as well.
She is hanging in there.She has her hubby.
I was thinking how good you must feel to have painted this weekend.
That’s a great accomplishment!
You sound like you are regaining your energy.
What you said about life is precious..yes it is.
This is life.Here.Now.
I feel like I have been through a war already and got through it.
I am grateful for what I do have and that’s all I need.
I am happy and grateful that I don’t have to look over my shoulder like those crazy spaths do every second of their miserable lives.
I don’t have to worry that I screwed over anyone.
I am ok with me.
This all makes sense, every piece of the puzzle is slowly fitting into place.
I hope you and all of the other strong women here find peace.
XOXO,
Stronginthecity
Hey there Strong and Remember!
Strong- I’m sorry about your loss and for your daughter. I’m also sorry I didn’t reply sooner. I know this is such a hard time for you but I admire your strength and positivity through all of this. Seems like you’re thinking clearly…you not only seem to be in a better place (even considering your loss), but you are supporting your daughter as well as being supportive to so many others on this site.
As for the sister in law…sounds like a treat! Thank goodness you’re there for your daughter and your eyes are wide open.
Remember-how’d the painting go? Is this the studio you’ve been working at or do you have one in your home as well. I’m not completely caught up on here so want to make sure I’m not missing anything! How are things going otherwise?
All is going pretty good on my end. My narc boss left me alone last week. A big wig on the job admired my work last week and told the narc so! We’ll see if there are any repercussions. I can’t remember who posted about my situation last week (can’t find the post!) But she said not to underestimate my boss. No way! Eyes wide open! I’m proud of myself for the way I’ve stayed professional and am dealing with her though.
Other than that things are peaceful. No stalking the last couple of weeks that I know of! I’m getting this feeling though that he may try and get in touch or that I may see him. My therapist helped me come up with a good yet semi ballsy plan. It’s kind of funny in a way! Hopefully I don’t see him.
Ran a 7k this weekend. It was fun! And I’m realizing how excited I’m getting for the upcoming holidays…spath free!!!
KeepingOn,
Thank you.
It will be ok.
The memorial has not happened yet and I feel once that’s over we can start grieving and be at peace.
I am grateful to know that my ex husband made changes that my daughter is control of his estate and not his sister.
Ummm, CONGRATS on the marathon.
That is so awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have all come so far.
I will stay on here to help others the best I can.
You know that even if you do see him you will be ok.
Hugs to you!
XOXO,
Stronginthecity
Strong,
When is the memorial?
Thank you for your encouragement! I only ran a 7k last weekend. Still training for the half marathon. That with work keeps me busy, in good ways.
I’ve had mostly good days the past few weeks. Yay! Tonight I’m a bit irritated. So over this staking crap. And reading posts on here from others makes my heart bleed. Sometimes I can’t take it. We’ve come so far, I feel bleased, I feel I have such a better outlook on life, although different. At the same time I wish we all didn’t have to experience this kind of pain to realize ourselves and put pasts.
Sending prayers tonight for all of us.
This is the first time I’ve posted on this website. I recently read a book called When Love is Lie that lead me here. I recently discovered that the person I have been in a relationship with the past two years is not who I thought he was. Every article and book I have read recently about narcissism has mirrored what is happening in my life almost exactly. I can’t help but feel sick to my stomach. The emotional, physical, and sexual abuse has taken such a toll on my body, mind and spirit, that my life is falling apart right in front of my eyes, although I see what is happening to me and the relationships with the people in my life I am unable to stop it. I have to beautiful amazing girls that deserve so much better than the mother they have right now. When I met him, I was recently divorced and trying to put the pieces of my life back together. I was happy, and not interested in relationships. I met him through family, and he is 40 which to me was way too much of an age difference as I am in my early twenties. Although I was attracted I refused all of his advances because my gut was telling me something was wrong. He pushed and pushed and was relentless and romantic in his attempts to win me over and was energetic and addicting to be around. Months later he changed. Everything I did was never good enough. He became hyper critical and would put me down for things he used to admire about me. We had an amazing sex life and I hadn’t experienced chemistry like that with anyone else before. It then became that he required it every night and if I refused I didn’t love him. When I did refuse and go to sleep he would do everything in his power to wake me up or I would wake up in the middle of the night to him on top of me and me being undressed from the waist down. I would cry while he had sex with me because I felt violated although I loved him and also because I was sleep deprived. Sometimes it would be multiple times a night and a lot of the time it was excessive. Then the sex wasn’t good enough as it was. He wanted us to watch porn together and take video and pictures of me. I was uncomfortable but he would humiliate me if i refused. I recently discovered him trying to find another man on craigslist to have sex with me while hen watched and taped. I was completely distraught. Confronting him he told me he thought I wanted it because of the stuff we said in bed, which I made clear was all to turn him on and that I wasn’t serious. He uses my words against me and tries to manipulate me whenever
possible. It is hard for me to realize the hell I am living but now I am putting together a plan to get out. I am afraid of what is to come but I know I have to leave. I know he will stalk me and possibly hurt me but I have to get out of this for myself and my children. I am scared when I tell him to leave that he will hurt me. He never leaves proof of his physical abuse so it is hard for me to document it and prove he is doing it. Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read this and to all the inspiring stories on here they have helped me more than you realize.
md23,
Welcome to love fraud, you are in the right place for support.
Hugs to you.
I wanted to ask first, is he living with you and how old are your children?
I have included a link for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
http://www.thehotline.org/
Yes, he is abusing you.
Are you safe right now?
Please don’t confront him that you are aware of his illness until you speak with a professional regarding a plan to get away.
These people are very unpredictable when confronted.
Please let me know if you are safe right now.
We will help and support you.
SITC
md23,
If you are safe right now please look at the website link I sent you.
On the top tabs there is one marked “is this abuse”
Take some time to read through this.
I have used them many times and they are great.
You can even do an online chat if you can not call.
SITC
Hi md23, so glad that you have done your research on your bf horrible abusive behavior. Stronginthecity is right, you are at the right spot for support and we are happy that your research has lead you to this wonderful site full of valuable information to help you educate yourself on your bf narcissism and maybe even sociopathic ways.
Everything you are describing in your post is narcissism but also it appears to be sociopathic traits too that your bf exibits. SO PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL NOW TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN SAFE.
The best thing for you to do now:
1) Call your countries National Domestic Violence hotline asap from a safe phone where it will not show up on your phone bill or his. In the USA the number is 800-799-SAFE
Ask them about a “Domestic abuse Exit Plan”
2) Research “Domestic abuse Exit Plan” on the website Strong in the city posted. Also google “Domestic abuse exit plan”, “Domestic abuse exit plan Dr Phil’ & “Domestic abuse exit plan you tube”
3) BE SURE TO CLEAR YOUR COMPUTER EACH TIME YOU LOOK AT A KNEW SITE SO THAT YOUR ABUSER DOES NOT SEE WHAT YOU ARE RESEARCHING.
If your computer is not safe then please go to your local abuse center to use theirs, a local library or a trusted friend or family member.
4) PLEASE KNOW THAT THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME FOR A WOMEN IN A ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP IS WHEN SHE IS GETTING READY TO LEAVE OR HAS LEFT.
Like Stronginthecity suggested DO NOT tell your bf what you have learned about his disorder just remain silent to him.
5) Open up to your most trusted friends & family members asap and ask them to help you out of your relationship…have them research “Domestic abuse exit plan” and take one of them with you to your local abuse center so they can help you through this important process.
6) Know that your local abuse center can help you with a restraining order if this is required to keep your children & you safe. DO NOT PROTECT YOUR ABUSER protect yourself & your children!!
7) Read everything up at the very top of Lovefraud & watch the videos over and over. Each time you are sad, mad, crying come here and read, read, read, and posted it will help you to open up your mind from this abusive mans hold on you.
Your gut is telling you the truth about your boyfriend he is evil…NEVER waver from your gut!! It will aways guide you in the right direction.
A lot of these narcissist & sociopath narcissist are sex addicts and yours is one….it is not normal to wake up and have your bf doing the things he is doing to you while you are sleeping. He is not mentally normal. My ex husband did the same to me a few times and I literally did not know how to respond…he had zero respect for me while I was sleeping or awake. Your ex too. It is your body and you have a right to say NO to your boyfriend. What he is doing to you while you sleep IS ABUSE!!!
Do a search at the top of Lovefraud right hand corner and on the net for:
1) love bombing narcissist
2) gas lighting abuse narcissist
3) Once you leave him then you need to impose the “No contact rule narcissist” (google those words)
Your boyfriend is criticizing you to mentally control you…this is what sociopath & narcissist do…it’s all a mental game of power & control. Your boyfriend pushing porn is all about power & control. Your boyfriend wanting you to have sex with another man is not only sick and twisted but it is also ABUSE and extreme level of power and control.
I have read countless stories about victims bf or husbands searching craigslist. THIS IS A HUGE RED FLAG into exactly what he is doing when he is not with you. This is also extremely dangerous for you to have any kind of sexual relationship with him when you don’t know if he is wearing protection or not and if he is also finding gay or straight sex for hire. Just before I left my ex h I stopped having sex with him because I knew in my gut he was cheating again. When I finally escaped I found out that he was cheating with 3 women in 2 different states who knows how many more. After I left I told my counselor that I thought he had cheated on me 8-12 times she told me it was more like 3 or 4 times that amount as that is what sociopaths do = serial cheaters.
PROTECT YOUR BODY from any disease that he may pick up or has picked put with his sexual indiscretions. But do so without fighting with him…right now you need to have your safe exit plan out of this relationship for your children and you so you will have to bit your tongue until you are safely away from him. So try as hard as you can not to fight. Come here and vent if you need to get it all out of your mind.
YOU ARE IN A EMOTIONAL, MENTAL, VERBAL & PHYSCALLY ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP.
Please know we are here for you….so come here and ask questions, vent , rant what ever you need hon. We have been where you are and it is scary but know that you are not alone!!! 🙂
Reach out for help with your National Abuse center 800-799-SAFE USA & your local abuse center where you can attend free counseling & women group meetings and they can help you with your exit plan out. Reach out to your most trusted friends & family too. Have them search narcissism abuse so they fully understand what you are enduring.
HUGE HUGS to you!!! 🙂
md23, I just wanted to add this comment:
You state:
“…life is falling apart right in front of my eyes, although I see what is happening to me and the relationships with the people in my life I am unable to stop it.”
How do you stop your life from following apart?
Just what you have bravely done today by posting…you reach out for help.
You my friend have made the first brave step to changing your life and leaving your abuser!! THIS IS A HUGE HUGE STEP SO PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK & THROUGH YOUR ARMS UP IN THE AIR AND CELEBRATE THIS FIRST STEP…small steps lead into running away from your abuser!!! 🙂
I remember being so emotionally, mentally & physically exhausted from my ex husband that I too wondered how to change my life…how to get my old life back when I could barely function on a daily basis. I needed someone to swoop in a literally care me out…guess what that never happened but what I did was I made a plan to get out…and slowly I did just that.
At the time did not call the Domestic abuse center hotline (I wish that I had) it was not until I left him found a counselor who told me the truth = he was a psychopath that I went to my local abuse center for free counseling and women group meetings.
I went to my private counselor & the abuse center counseling & women group meetings weekly. All of it saved my life because the abuse center women group meetings really opened my eyes to the fact I was not only being abused but also that I was not alone.
The first time I went to my local abuse center I sat in my car in the parking lot sobbing…wondering how a smart women like myself who saw my h (now ex) crazy behavior from the second I met him yet I dating him, married him when I wanted to do neither.
Do you think it is finally time for you to call your countries National Domestic abuse hotline?
md23
I am going to write something that may upset you but you need to know the truth: He RAPED you. Sex without consent is RAPE, even if a woman is in relationship.
You know this man is dangerous and you are currently trapped. You need a space, a place to think and care for your babies, a safe place where he can’t hurt them. I know you must be scared of what a rapist might do to them. You need a game plan so that he can’t prevent you from doing what you must for yourself and your children.
Is there a woman’s shelter in your area? I am told they are VERY good, esp for women in your situation. You don’t have to wait until he gets violent against you or your children to get help.
Secondly, Donna, the owner of this website, has listed a resources tab in the red section at the top of this page. She ALSO does consultation, and you can find that link under Contact link, again in red at the top of this page.
You are NOT alone. There are many here who have suffered similar to you situation. We ALL have encountered a sociopath, sociopaths share similar traits but act out their abuse according to their particular evil.
Please write back.
Jan7and NWHSOM,
Thank you for stepping in with your support for md23.
My red flags and warning bells are in overdrive and I am so worried about her and the children.
Since mine is a perv as most of them are, my mind goes right to those kids.
Jan7, I believe it was you who stated that one thing the evil one does not count on is joining forces and asking for help.
Thank you again.
SITC
Stronginthecity…yes! The sociopath never count of all of the victims joining forces to lift each other up.
Thank you for directing me & everyone to welcome md23.
Thank you for all that you do for new victims on this wonderful site!!
NotWhatHeSaidofMe,
The woman’s shelter is an excellent idea.
You are right that they are on their game and can protect her and her precious children.
Stronginthecity
md23,
Hi there. I hope you are ok today…
I’m glad you found your way to Love Fraud.
These people here are so helpful and wise. I want you to know you are NOT alone, and we so understand.
I too questioned if my ex raped me, only on 2 occasions, but still.
I am concerned for you and your children and grandma. These types of people have no conscience. Please reach out to help with authorities or the domestic violence hotline.
This is your life, and this man is dangerous.
We are here for you!!!
Prayers for you today and each day that you may take the steps to do what you need to do.
It is so confusing, it’s like being under a spell. Your bf sounds alot like my ex. There is help out there, you just gotta take that leap.
xoxo
FYI on stalking.
Up to date info on the laws by state.
http://www.victimsofcrime.org/our-programs/stalking-resource-center/stalking-laws
SITC
Thank you so much to everyone for the responses. I read all of them and appreciate the advice and links. My girls and I are safe. My girls are 6 and 4. My bf lives with us. My girls and I live with my grandmother and he moved in with us. I feel that we are safe because he would not do anything in front of my grandmother. Whenever she walks into the room, its like a switch and his behavior changes instantly no matter how evil he is being. I guess in my situation it is easier because I do not have to do the leaving. However I still feel stuck. I wish I would have read these comments earlier because I foolishly tried to talk to him about what I learned about narcissism and suggested counseling. He then physically abused me for even mentioning it. Now he is being sweet and caring. Completely back and forth and confusing. I will definitely look at the link suggested about a safe exit plan. I want to make sure I do not let him back. I want it to stick. I kicked him out once before but it didn’t stick. I let him get to me and make me feel guilty. I am frustrated by my weakness around him but through educating myself, I hope to grow stronger. Thank you for sharing your experiences with me, it is a lot of help. Again I really appreciate the responses.
Hi md23, so happy that you have read everyone’s post. These guys are con artist…remember that…your bf can manipulate anyone into doing what he wants…and I do not think that he is just a narcissist but instead a Sociopath narcissist. When it comes to disordered people they typically do not just have one “disorder” they have several combined.
As for you thinking that your grandmother is safe…please do not let your guard down with her or your children because the way a sociopath will get you to do everything their way when they are loosing control over their main vicim (you) it to thread to harm their family members. EVERYONE of you are in danger with this guy.
Google & do a search on LF for: “Sociopath pity play”, “Sociopath blame shifting”….these are two of the manipulative tactics they use to make people feel sorry for them and to get their way.
Here is an article on the No contact rule…once you get him out of your home then you need to follow this rule asap. They will always try to weasel back into your life ALWAYS..this is why you need to slam the door shut with the no contact rule…but because this guy is dangers please have an exit plan in place before you impose this extremely important rule.
“Why Initiate a”No Contact” Rule When Leaving a Narcissistic Relationship
No contact is initiated as a way of breaking the psychic emotional bonds between you and a narcissistic partner, friend or family member. If you have been involved with a narcissistic person for any length of time you will undoubtedly have a strong attachment to that person. This attachment needs to be weakened which will happen much more quickly once you engage the rules of “no contact.”
I am referring to the rules of “no contact” as RULES but these are only enforced by you. These are your rules! If you break these rules you are the one who pays the consequences. And”there are most definitely consequences that come in the form of emotional pain and re-attachment.
No contact gives you the space and time to get your energy back into your life. It can be challenging at first as you may have to resist the urge to answer the phone, return an Email or make that call. You must get into the habit of policing yourself for your own good. Imagine that you have two different aspects of yourself; a parent self and a child self. The parent self will have to police the child self to be sure she doesn’t do anything that will hurt her. You know intellectually that breaking the rules of “no contact” will hurt that child, so you stop her from doing so, even though she is throwing a tantrum.
Making a decision to cut off contact with a narcissistic personality when leaving the relationship is an important part of your recovery process. The decision to initiate “NO Contact” is a decision for your health and sanity.
When you remain in contact you continue to engage in the relationship on some level and are still affected by its craziness and dysfunction. You will normally continue to be affected by the hot and cold behavior of the narcissist, be pulled in and pushed away, confused and hurt. You will continue to be drained energetically which results in depression and lethargy.
The best remedy for getting yourself back is to stop giving your energy to the relationship in any way, shape or matter. You can only dry off when you take your feet out of the water. Cut off his access to you and your energy!
Of course there are cases where ’no contact” is not possible due to the involvement of children or when the narcissistic personality is a direct family member. However even in these cases contact can be greatly limited and sometimes all contact can be through a third party mediator.
Here are the rules of No Contact:
1) Once you have made the decision to end the relationship get your business taken care of immediately, if possible. If you are married and going through a divorce you will need to initiate the divorce right away or make the decision to put it on hold for six months to a year while you take care of yourself and your family. During that time you can initiate “no contact” and then initiate the divorce paperwork, through an attorney when you are stronger. Let the narcissist in your life know that you are ending the relationship and won’t be in communication with him for a while. Ask him to please refrain from calling, text messaging, Emailing, instant chat or stopping by your home or workplace.
2) Taking care of business involves getting your possessions, giving him his possessions. Getting separate living quarters, separating bills and anything that would give you a reason to contact him or for him to contact you. If necessary use a third party mediator.
3) Clean out your home and get rid of any memorabilia having to do with your ex-narcissistic partner. If you are having issues throwing something away or burning it, put it in a big box, tape it up and store it somewhere where you won’t see it. If you are comfortable burning sage or incense this can help clear the energy of your home. Also burning candles is a good way to shift the energy.
4) Make no arrangements for personal meetings. If he stops by, don’t answer the door. If you see him in public, put your sunglasses on, avoid eye contact and move past him as quickly as possible.
5) Make or accept no phone calls. If he calls, don’t answer the phone. If he calls from an unidentified number and you hear his voice on the other end, hang up without saying a word. He’ll get the message. If he leaves a voice mail message try and erase it without listening if you can. If he is persistent, consider having your phone number changed. This is your sanity we are talking about. It is priceless.
6) Make or accept no text messages, emails, or instant chat. It is best to block his emails and even consider having your own email address changed so he won’t have your information. This prevents him emailing you from an unknown address.
7) If you are on any mutual community Websites, you will want to stop visiting those sites. Do not access his Web pages, profiles, or anything that will give you current info on him. What he is doing is none of your business. What you are doing is none of his.
8) If you have friends in common, you will want to let them know that you are avoiding any and all contact with him at this time so you can focus on your healing and you request that they NOT share any information about him with you nor any information about you with him. If you find mutual friends do not support your request you will want to avoid contact with them for a time. Do not allow anyone to tell you that what you are doing is crazy, silly, stupid, childish or invalidate your decision in any way. This is a time to surround yourself with people who support you and let go of people who don’t.
9) If you work with him, in the same office building, same company, etc.. Same rules apply. If you are forced to do business with him, keep all communication strictly business and don’t allow him to engage you in any other way. Remember: He no longer has access to you or your energy.
10) If you have children with him you are best to engage a mediator for all contact. Narcissistic people will often use the children as a way to get to you. You may consider asking a family member or good friend to act as the mediator for young children. If your kids are old enough to handle their own business, let them work out the details of any visits directly with the other parent and communicate with you to be sure you approve. Be careful not to use your children to punish the narcissistic parent. The kids will be the ones being affected. In some cases when the narcissistic parent realizes he has no control over you and using the kids doesn’t work, he may bow out altogether and you may rarely hear from him. So it is important that you don’t allow him access to you, even if you have kids. Keep it strictly business.
How Long Must No Contact Last?
No contact should remain in affect until you feel the bond has been completely severed. This can take several years so be prepared to continue “no contact” for a long time. Most will find once that bond is severed there is no need or desire to see that person, but the rules can soften a bit at this point so if you run into him on the street you may say “hello” and be kind, but not engage in any “real” conversation. If you have kids together you may be able to communicate directly at some point in the future, although there is absolutely no guarantee this will work well.
Once you have moved on, down the road, you will want to be careful not to make the mistake of believing maybe he/she has changed. The likelihood of any real change is very small. Always assume he is the same person as he always was. Even if he had changed, your trust in him has already been severely damaged and you would never likely be fully trusting again. This is no way to have a relationship. You deserve to have someone you can trust completely in your life.”
I have read that 70-90 % of sex addicts are sociopath. The fact that your bf is abusing you while you sleep is a RED FLAG and that he is going on crags list for sex is another RED flag that he is a sociopath with narcissist personality disorder.
Talk with your children to see if he has done anything to them or has talked about sex with them and told them “not to tell anyone”!!!
Jan7,
Thank you.
I hope md23 is ok.
SITC
md23, How are you doing today?
md23
When he is being sweet and caring is called “bait”. It’s what he uses to get you to put your guard down. If he ONLY battered and RAPED you, then you’d take action. That’s why his behavior is confusing. You are thinking perhaps, that you can affect his behavior. But that’s not true. You have NO CONTROL over his behavior, he might LET you think so because then he can blame you for what he does. It’s called scapegoating.
NONE of you are safe with him in that house. NONE OF YOU.
A fact for you:
His character is NOT usually sweet and caring with sometimes battering and raping you. It’s the other way around. Once someone batters/rapes, they have revealed their TRUE nature, ABUSER. His TRUE character is sociopath, his TRUE way of being with a woman is to batter/rape her. When he is nice and caring, that’s when he is swindling you.
You are being VERY trusting of a personality type that has NO CONSCIENCE, NO REMORSE. The type of guy he is feels the same about battering/raping you as they do about killing a fly.
He will say whatever it takes to get what he wants from you, even if it’s just room/board and sex/control over you.
You are NOT the first he has done this to.
He has battered and raped before.
You have NO CONTROL while he is in your life.
When he is done with using you, he won’t hide his true nature from your grandmother either.
You are IN DANGER.
md23,
I know all of this is a lot to take in right now.
Like Jan7 said, the fact that you reached out for help is the first step.
Don’t be hard on yourself for trying to talk to him.
That’s what normal people do.
He reacted and I hope that you are ok.
Take some deep breaths.
Slowly breath in and close your eyes.
Try to count to four as you breath in and hold for 2 and release for 4 seconds.
This will help bring more beautiful oxygen to your body as we tend to hold our breath when we are stressed.
This will help you focus and create your plan to get that man the hell out of your home.
Defiantly have the nobody touches me down there or that makes me feel icky talk with your girls.
They are young but smart and extremely observant at that age.
Is there any way the father of the girls can get involved?
Even if you don’t have a close relationship with him you would be surprised how a man steps up for his kids when this is going on.
Does this guy, your boyfriend work?
Do you have a close friend to confide in?
I know you are thinking what the heck do I do first, right?
He sounds really intense.
Don’t hesitate to call 911.
I know that this sounds drastic but it may be what you have to do to get him removed.
Have a talk with your grandmother.
I know it’s scary and you probably have some kind of attachment to him, maybe you feel like you love him.
The fact is he needs to go and you know it.
You can do this.
Don’t hesitate to get the police involved.
Nobody wants to be the house on the block where the police come but it’s better now than later.
Enough is enough.
Get him out and take it from there.
Follow Jan7 and NWHSOF’s advice and go NO CONTACT forever.
Please be safe.
This man will NEVER EVER change and this will only get worse.
Keep your phone charged and near you.
Hugs and strength to you.
Stronginthecity
StrongInTheCity
You were so caring to grab help for md23. I hope she takes it in and when the moments comes AGAIN that she questions her life with her bf, she will recognize what she is seeing.
At this point, I think md23 is at the same place a lot of us were: We couldn’t believe the evil and manipulation that came out of a man we’d come to believe to be so sweet and caring. SURELY we were wrong? You and I, and countless others here in LF know, that she saw only a glimpse, a “burp”, of his real personality and he’s starting to have a hard time maintaining his pretend self, the self he uses to trap his prey. I hope she sees the truth soon enough, BEFORE he preys on her children and destroys all their lives. Because that’s the path these covert, sneaky predators use. They attach to a vulnerable mom in order to get to her kids… especially a sex addict sociopath. And of course he takes EXTRA care to hide his evil side from her grandmother. He knows it will only take ONE small event and Grandma will have him pegged, just as we here on LF have pegged him.
NORMAL Decent men don’t behave as md23’s bf does to her. It would simply not occur to a good guy to rape, insist on her performing as his tool to give his an orgasm (rape) and it could not occur to a good guy to EVER batter.
ONLY EVIL rapes and batters. And once that genie is out of the bottle and she keeps him, he has no reason to bottle it back up (he can’t, but she doesn’t know that yet). He tested her to see if she’d dump him after raping her and now he knows she will tolerate him knowing he RAPED her. It only gets worse from here.
IT’s very heartbreaking, and we can hope she heard enough to be on the lookout for his evil side and to realize his evil will ALWAYS come out when HE wants it to.
BUT… the good thing is that you showed her a place where we have experienced the same and will give TRUE heartfelt advice that will help her. That’s a precious gift you handed her, SITC, as she will find out.
Best
nwhsom
NWHSOM,
I just reread your post.
The horrible behavior they slide in when you are so confused is what they do.
My tummy is turning just thinking about it.
Yes, they push and push to see what you will put up with and then sit back and say wow, that was easy.
Sick, evilness to the core.
SITC
NotWhatHeSaidofMe,
Thank you. I hope so too.
It sounds like she has been at the point of getting rid of him for awhile and needed some support.
We all know how it feels to be in it especially when he is living with her.
I sure hope she is ok.
The rape and enlisting of other men on the internet to be with her is so disgusting and disturbing on so many levels.
They operate in the same manner, find a vulnerable person and pick at their wounds.
Trusting karma will step in and take care of him.
I am just glad that she did reach out for support and we are here to give it to her.
XOXO,
SITC
KeepingOn,
Hi!! Way to go on the run!!
Hopefully it’s not too hot for that where you live. It’s sizzlin in Fl. Lol
The studio- it’s just my studio apartment, but it’s a great size. Now it’s all painted! I’m in my 2nd year here.
Hey,! I’m sooo looking forward to the upcoming season! Well, holidays- SPATH FREE!!!! Last year SUCKED with him for ALL of them.
I keep saying I can’t wait for October.
Glad you are stalking free for now. Sometimes I wonder how I would respond if he ever rang me somewhere. Eeeeew. Bleh.
Life is so healthy now huh?
🙂
xoxxooo
Remember,
Ha! Not sure why when you said your studio I assumed a hair studio! I bet it felt great to paint. A fresh start!! I managed some house stuff on my own this summer and although not perfect it still feels great!
The run was awesome. Hot but not too hot. It was early in the morning so that helped. I’m just so happy to be living again. Still playing with the idea of dating but am not quite there yet. I’m trying to be super aware of my vulnerabilities. Sex being one. It’s been a long time for me now and if I want to make good choices in that department.
My holidays were a nightmare the past couple of years! Last year especially. I’m so looking forward to being with just me, friends and family. I’m not where I want to be yet but I’m feeling so much healthier…inside and out. I’m grateful for who I’m becoming.
I pray and hope we stay spath free for a very long time!
I’m really grateful that I’m able to trust my gut more now. I’m able to spot people’s masks and not coming from a paranoid place. I feel like I’m seeing the world through a different lenses. It’s new, foreign, a bit scary, more than interesting yet I feel comfort in it all.
Hi again,
I’m not able to get away to post easily as he will know what I am doing. I am overwhelmed by the responses, help, and caring you all have showed me. It definitely is a lot to take in right now but I am seeing it for what it is. I find that I have two sides to my brain as far as my relationship is concerned. Rationally, I know what is going on and recognize the fakeness. I also have a side that still holds on to the hope that he isn’t this monster I’m discovering he is and he wouldn’t do anything horrible to my children or family. The last couple of days have been rough. I expressed that I wanted him to leave and I wasn’t happy anymore. Last night he threatened to kill himself and held a knife to his throat. Knowing this was a ploy to control me, I blurted out “you’re way too narcissistic to do that” which resulted in him being physical with me again. Today he has cornered me when possible to tell me how much pain I’ve caused him and how I am the selfish and narcissistic one. Which almost worked, because I have started to mimic his behavior back to him to survive the relationship. He is also tried gas lighting me into thinking that when he was physical with me for suggesting counseling, that I hit him first. Now he has been sweet and kind and caring all day.I now realize it is all a lie, but it still somehow feel like I am under a spell. I have photos of emails exchanged through craigslist, and try to remember the abuse when I feel I am falling under his spell again to jolt me back to reality. I t is extremely hard to stay strong. I know the no contact rule is the only option. After reading When Love is A Lie, I see it is a very difficult process. My brain doesn’t want to except some of the things you all are telling me however, I have to believe them to be possibilities because all of you have been through this. I will have to talk to my daughters, as much as it is scary. I think I would kill him if he has ever touched them. I’m crying as I write this realizing the things I have accepted in my life. My self before this relationship would be ashamed. This has become such a comfort to me through all of this and has helped me not feel alone. The validation from all of you has really helped me because when I try to talk to him about the abuse and my pain I am going through he makes fun of me belittles my feelings and calls me a victim and a marder which has worked and had me asking myself if I am just overreacting. Thanks again for the safe place to talk.
md23,
Double hugs to you.
Is there a chance that you can get him to leave like a temporary separation until you can get some professional help?
I understand what you are feeling right now and you have explained it so beautifully.
He is a very sick disordered person and I am scared for you.
If you can today, when it is safe reach out to the domestic violence hotline so that they can help you.
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Stronginthecity
Hi md23, the confusion you are feeling is very normal for a vicim of abuse. One min you see who they are = evil…but the next they have convinced you that they at “good”. This is the emotional roller coaster the put you on throughout the relationship (cycle of abuse). It’s mentally, emotionally & physically exhausting to be around these types of people to a point you can not think straight to find the door out of the relationship.
It is EXTREMELY common for a abuser to threaten to “kill themselves”…this is a extremely dangerous situation you are in because often these abuser follow through with killing their family then themselves….please know this.
I know it’s hard at this point to trust anyone because of what your abuser has done to you mentally & physically but this is the truth. One of the first questions the abuse center counselor asked me was “Has your husband threatened to kill himself?”….my answer back to her was YES!!!.
I can tell you from my own experience that once I told my ex h (then h) that I did not want to remain married the physical abuse escalated because he was loosing control over my mind. Do I think my ex h would have killed me? YES!!! During the time YES…now that I have escaped his grip YES YES YES!!!!
Your situation has escalated to the EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ZONE please know this and protect your daughters, your grandmother and you by calling the National Domestic Abuse Hotline ASAP 800-799-SAFE (USA) and then by going to your local abuse center for free counseling & women group meetings and help with an exit plan out of your relationship. YOUR daughters deserve a safe place to live and right now it is NOT SAFE WHAT SO EVER.
Also next time he is physically abusive to you or your family CALL 911 ASAP!!!
Keep coming her to vent. And please watch the videos up at the top of this wonderful site under the red tab “video”.
see also psychopathawareness. wordpress. com for more info on this subject.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! 🙂
(FOR YOUR SAFETY BE SURE TO CLEAR YOUR COMPUTER HISTORY EACH TIME YOU RESEARCH THIS SUBJECT OR COME TO LOVEFRAUD)
MD23 FOR YOUR SAFETY BIT YOUR TONGUE UNTIL YOU GET THIS ABUSER OUT OF YOUR LIFE…this is hard to do but is the safest thing to do for your daughters, grandmother and you.
Hugs to you!!
I now believe that he is capable of killing me. I’ve seen something in his eyes when he is angry like I’ve never seen before. I told him yesterday, that I still wanted him to leave but thought we could work on the relationship but live separately. I thought by saying this it would pacify him enough to leave. After that, assuming he would be angry, he has been very calm, almost too calm and understanding. We agreed that he would move his things out Friday once he is paid so that he would be able to. I still feel unsettled about how non-confrontational he was. I reached out to the domestic abuse hotline, and they suggested to me pretending everything is fine until I file an order of protection. I think might do that instead of relying on our agreement because as we all know, they can’t be trusted. I am jsut worried that with his lack of respect for authority and criminal past the order of protection will only serve to be a piece of paper and anger him enough to really do something. The more I learn the more frightened I am and hope to make the right move. I had a spiritual experience yesterday. First let me say that I lost my mother 8 years ago. I went to my fathers house with my girls and my bf for the holiday, my father could tell something was wrong.He called me back to the house as we were leaving and said, “I don’t know why but something told me this was the right time to give this to you, I was waiting for a special occasion but now feels right don’t ask me why” He handed me my mothers rosary. This made me feel that she wants me to know she is with me through this difficult time. I like to think that it helps protect me and I haven’t taken it off my wrist since. It has given me a lot of comfort.
md23, you should be very proud of yourself for calling the hotline. I am glad that you have made steps and see a change in his behavior that sends up RED FLAGS.
My suggestions is to go to your local abuse center ASAP to talk with a counselor face to face and ask if the police can be present to move him out. PLEASE follow their suggestions they know what is best. Talk to the local center to see if it is best right now not to file a protective order or to file.
PLEASE follow your gut too…if you feel unsafe take your children, your grandmother and go to a safe place…a friends, family member, hotel or abuse shelter.
I am truly sorry that you lost your mother especially being so young. It’s a heart ache for sure to loss a mother. But I do believe like you that she is sending you love & hugs to get you through this difficult time of your life. Talk to her she will send you signs that she is with you. Very powerful how our loved ones can’t give us reassurance.
Huge Hugs to you 🙂
Keep coming here to vent & ask questions we are here for you!!
Hi md23, how are you doing today?
md23,
We are all here for you.
Sorry you lost your mom so young.
Yes, our loved ones are always looking over us.
That’s what I believe anyway.
Maybe your dad can be a support system now?
Come here and vent when you need.
You always have support here.
XOXO,
Stronginthecity
md23
I am SO relieved that you KNOW he is capable of murder.
When I wrote the words “YOU ARE IN DANGER”, I was concerned that I’d put you off. People don’t want to believe that kind of evil is in their home. They try to bargain. But… they are the very ones it is IMPOSSIBLE to bargain with.
YES. ALL sociopaths are capable of murder, some CHOSE not to, and some CHOSE to murder as a method of ultimate control.
You are caught in the WORST situation, he is a violent offender and you have to tread lightly but at the same time constantly move to getting him out of your home where he has opportunities to commit the ultimate evil… and yet not tip your hand that you know what he is. SO yes, you have to pretend that all is okay, while meeting with those who will support you.
But YOU CAN DO THIS. LOTS of women have. They know and their knowledge can help you.
I REALLY REALLY echo Jan7. GO SIT WITH the abuse counselor. I think you ALL, grandma/you/your kids need to go into shelter the day he is served the order of protection. Tell your father what is going on so he can protect his house too.
You are in IMMINENT GRAVE DANGER.
You wrote he is calm. That’s because He is pretending. It’s how they get their victims to drop their guard. He’s asked for time, days away. I PROMISE he has NO INTENTION of leaving. He’s pretending that he’s not angry. It’s to buy him time to regroup and plan your destruction. He is NOT sorry, he is NOT caring. Your bf is a VERY VERY DANGEROUS MAN.
I’m betting your bf has a record. You are not his first victim. That’s how you know it’s not YOU. Because I know… we blame ourselves. I know I did. But the truth is… NOTHING we did made them this way and NOTHING we did make them harm us. That is how THEY chose to be.
Please follow up on visiting your local abuse center ASAP, talk face to face. Get a plan, get your kids and your grandma safe, and once he’s out…above all, NEVER LET HIM access to you ever again. He will be looking for revenge.
My ex nearly murdered me for my failure to submit to his control. Take the steps necessary to keep your kids mommy safe and free from the monster.
so very concerned for you.
am too aware of that shift from pretend to murder
nwhsom
NotWhatHeSaidofMe,
I am SO sorry to hear this and it’s so frightening to me.
My ex spath will not give up.
Given all I have been through this last week, I feel he is just a Nat.
An annoyance.
Then again I can saw that because he is far away.
His flying monkeys are even fed up with him so it’s been nice and quiet here.
How long has it been since yours has been gone?
SITC
stronginthecity
just a quick reply. I left my husband without telling him, moved thousands of miles from him. He’s not gone. I am gone from him. To a place where he has NO power. My neighbors know about him and would protect me (castle doctrine) if he ever showed up. Sometimes a secret move what it takes to escape a sociopath.
Md23,
Checking in to see how you are doing.
we are all here for you.
Hugs
Stronginthecity
Dear md23, we all understand about that “spell”. Only having read your last post, he sounds dangerous, and I hope you can find the resources and strength to leave. Don’t let him blame you for his abusive behavior. It’s not your fault!
I have been staying away from posting for weeks now, but have been reading everyone’s posts. It looks like most everyone is doing well.
My main reason for writing today is md23… so worried! My message to you – his behavior is not your fault in any way, no matter how much he tries to blame-shift. You are his victim at this point, and I hope you get away from him as soon as possible. He is DANGEROUS. I can fully relate to what you’re going through, just like everyone else here. Mine is a sexual deviant too, and that’s humiliating and scary!! I feel for you, and I’m very much concerned. Please call the hotline… they can help you! Don’t antagonize him… you don’t want to set him off. I know it’s so hard to not call him the names he deserves to be called (sociopath, narcissist, even psychopath, and a huge list of words I’m not supposed to use here!). Please be careful and remember it’s NOT your fault!!!
About me… I’ve been trying to deal with a lot right now. NC was broken in August and things got horrible again, but I’m getting things back under control. I had a cancer scare, but all is good there. Very thankful for that!!
Strong, I’m so sorry about your ex husband. I’m wishing for peace for you and your daughter.
Everyone take care!! Lots of hugs to all 🙂
Gaslit!
Hey there.
Good to here from you.
Thank you ad always for the kind words and I am so happy to hear that your test result is all good!
Glad you are NC….we all know how that feels but it’s the best.
Take back that control.
You are in charge!
Stay happy and safe.
XOXO,
SITC