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Nichole
ParticipantHi Anita,
So during our relationship he was using phone chat lines and staying in contact with woman he met who were from all over the states. He would receive money from some and was giving money to some. There was only 1 physical relationship he had that I know of during our time together. He was saying he was at work and going to meet up with a woman for what seems like years. I’m not sure how frequent or how sexual but I found pictures from 2 years of them on her Facebook account. There may have been more physical but I am not sure. Also this man is blind, I did drive him everywhere when we were together besides work. He uses a transportation service. But since we were together most of the time I did all the driving but he is a very independent blind man which may be hard to envision for some. He is cabable of getting around through a service, through uber and lyft services as well.
And yes, this woman met him at his place, come to find out only 3 times and I guess during those 3 times “tried to get pregnant”. I know it’s sounds crazy….it is!!!!!
Regardless, I’m not sure why I reached out or continue to look for closure when I’m sure you can agree closure is slapping me in the face with all of the disgusting things he did and continues to do.
I guess the hardest part is accepting I was just another girl to him. It seems that way since he continues an exact pattern except with me it was long term, we lived together and joined families. So it seems I was the main course and these other woman were side dishes. So gross. So hurtful! For me and for these women he pathologically lies to! Narcissistic? I think so ?
Nichole
ParticipantHello Anita, he is completely blind. I thought I had mentioned it. Yes a blind man. Who put me through hell. After this discussion and trying to consider he is not a narcissist I did something I probably shouldn’t have. I reached out to the women who were contacting me after break up. Since at that time I just blocked them. This woman told me the craziest of things. He is sick this man. She said all of the things he did to me, claimed he loved her for months and even tried to have a baby????? Then was getting caught in pathological lies and then woman reaching out to her. Said he owes her hundreds as he was getting money from her. She says he does this to a lot of women. I’m so sick to my stomach. I was sleeping in a bed next to this man for years thinking I was safe and in love. How does that happen? I can’t focus after that. It’s so traumatizing. If that’s not a disorder, what do you consider it? It’s sick. It’s not normal. It’s not a normal affair. He is doing this to many many women since our break up. I’m so drained ? And at the same time I feel bad for him? How could I miss it think of someone who is doing this? It’s disgusting. I just know he was good to me but broke me down eventually. I think he tried to have something normal but he can’t even help himself. He believes these lies. He is so sick now. How could I not care when he was in my life for 5 years?
Nichole
ParticipantAnita,
My therapist did meet him twice in couples counseling. It wasn’t then she considered him a narcissist. But she did know that he made me out to be the crazy one always. He did expect me to be perfect and she always asked me to look outside of myself and to stop blaming myself. Describing his mother to her in therapy as she was a main stressor my therapist said she had narcissistic traits and didn’t seem to make me feel good. I am not crazy in or out of a intimate relationship. I do have wounds and bad reactions that I believe I am working on. I am happy to hear you are now BPD free and in a healthy relationship. It is nice when sometime actively chooses to look into themselves and change, my ex does not have that gift.
I know we are all human but have you ever read these stories? They are not typical. I know there are a**holes in this world but what these people do is cruel and planned out yes it is. My ex didn’t get a financial benefit from me but he benefited very much. He was a blind man and I was his trophy woman. I made him look good. His family adored me to begin with and so did he. What he benefited from? I was his guide, I did EVERYTHING for him. I drove him everywhere, I was his woman and caretaker you can say. I was made to be perfect for him and his family. That’s what they expected and yes it was my wounds that allowed me to put up with it. Now after learning I would say I am not perfect, take it or leave it. But I please and pleased until I couldn’t take it. And then I heard of boundaries and started to put them up. Saying no to things and expecting more from him as he should have and he was going behind my back finding a replacement all along because he knows no one can keep up with a perfect image. That is intentional and that is not human! He admitted many things before I left. I asked him if he was a narcissist and he stuttered out of the question and said he couldn’t be full blown because he does have some empathy but he knew exactly what I meant.
What human being, plans a proposal with my family for me, and lays in bed with me the night before I learned of his double life discussing loving me and dying to spend the rest of his life with me. Only to find out he was discussing his with other women the same exact night!!! Then I leave we brake up and tells me he is suicidal because I left him and he is so alone. All about him, had no empthay for how crushed I was. No empathy for destroying our life. He said sorry many times but I believe he was sorry he was caught and exposed and that’s what triggered suicidal thoughts. “He was alone” that’s what he benefited from, my company and my doing what “he needed”!
i wish I had the energy to think and give you more examples but this discussion is exhausting.
🙁
Nichole
ParticipantHi Anita,
It is not that I don’t like your post. I will say I am confused even more now. My own therapist agrees that my ex was a narcissist. I have read hundreds of women’s stories that mimic mine to the tee. I don’t understand how it is not intentional in cold heart from these people with disorders because it seems they follow the same pattern in each relationship. When I got with my ex he explained his ex as crazy, and that she stole from him, and she was verbally abusive and so on…I became that girl with him. He repeated the pattern with me. This is 100% truth. I am not going to deny that many of the reasons I did react this way are from child hood beliefs. This is the one gift I got from being with him, he opened my wounds and I had no choice to see them straight on. A healthy person would have left instead I stayed and became more unhealthy, which is my responsibility. It is interesting you say I fit the criteria for BPD, because I considered I had that myself when I first arrive in Chicago. I researched it for months and was devastated. I brang it up to my therapist and she assured me I wasn’t. I don’t have these behaviors anymore since being no contact with him. I am more calm and I am more free. I can definitely see where woman have exaggerated and called their ex a narcissist just to label it. This is not the case for me, I want nothing more than to believe the man I loved does not have disorder that cannot be cured. I am not painting him as the bad wolf but since being away from him I see what he did, yes intentionally. Maybe not exactly in cold heart but he chose to pick at me and wanted a reaction from me, yes to explode, because he never wanted to discuss his faults. People do not like aggression but if it helps them get away with murder I think they will deal. My ex intentionally chose to call chatlines for year in our relationship, and he chose to pathologically lie to me. I am not just a women who is bitter from infidelity, I wish I was. That man changed me, I did not know who I was at the end of the relationship. I lost trust in myself completely. I literally could not decide what groceries to by and I see now how much he enjoyed controlling me that way. He turned all of the good things about me into bad things. He broke me slowly throughout the years. This is true and I DO NOT want it to be but I cannot deny the way he made comments on everything I did but then cuddled me and said he loved me. That is not love it is manipulation to brake someone down but be just enough nice to keep them around under your control. This sounds harsh and I struggle with believing it myself because I love this man but it is true. I don’t think he picked me and knew he would do this, I think he projects his shame and pain on women including me. I think he feels so afraid that he is not loved that he controls the situation so he never gets hurt. Which does not make it ok. These are my thoughts so far, interested to see how you feel.
Nichole
ParticipantHi Anita,
Yes there are covert and overt narcissist. I do believe in it just because I have been on Quora and spoke to so many women who dealth with the exact same thing I did. Ok so here is a list of the criteria, but first let me say that yes he was good to me for years at least that is what I thought. But I see now everything he did secured me to stay with him. I hate to look at it like that but it seems that way. Here is a list..
Every time we fought it turned out it was my fault. For years I was confused because I thought I was being the best women I could be and it seemed like nothing I could do was right. ( I now realize he used subtle ways of convincing me of doubting my own judgement.)
He never gave me any space but somehow convinced me I was the clingy one who never gave him space. When I look back there were times he frustrated me and I would say please just give me some time and he would pick at me until I exploded. I now see that he purposely wanted me to explode so that the initial crime he committed was forgotten, now we could focus on my anger instead of him taking accountability.
I couldn’t say no to him or his family. I mean yes I could, but not without being guilted into feeling bad for doing something for myself.
Him and his family were amazing to me in the beginning, I thought I found a golden family. As soon as I started to enforce boundaries I seen the masks falling. I seen them isolate me. I seen them talk behind my back. I am no angel but I did not deserve any of this yet he convinced me I was.
He started telling people I was mentally unstable and I was but because he was driving me to it. Do not get me wrong I have my own problems and wounds as you know but he confused me to the point I did not trust myself. I couldn’t even make decisions. on my own for the simplest thing. Now being away from him the freedom I have to choose for myself feels so good and guilt free.
I found out in the end he was speaking on chat lines to over 50 women. And was meeting up with an ex when he was “supposedly” at work. When I caught him he said he had an addiction to being validated. He said he didn’t know what wrong with him. That he needs attention. And that is one thing I believe. I don’t think he truly was aware of his behaviors. It’s his way of survival. And this in case you are wondering is why I still miss him. I seen him at his best and worst. I miss his best and feel terrible that he feels he needs this constant validation because he feels so low. But I do understand it is not my place to fix him. That is progress for me because I have always felt like I can fix people.
There is more but cannot think of it now.
The man is on a rampage now. Women have contacted me on social media asking if we were together because they feel he is lying to them. Multiple women and he is pathologically lying to them as well now. I feel bad for him some days on the days I don’t hate him for how he betrayed me.
That is another thing, I found out he was lying to me about everything, including work!! His business. Lord only knows how he was paying our bills.
Oh God, it makes me sick writing this stuff. How could I miss this man? But again how does one simply let go of someone they once loved and gave their heart, body and soul too?? It seems so normal but I am such a lover and believed in the fairy tale.
Nichole
ParticipantHi Anita,
I am lonely but I don’t know if it just that. I truly miss that man. He was my first everything. He was the love of my life. He was truly my best friend. We would talk all night long about life. I miss our life and routine. I miss Florida and dinners on the water. I kind of lived a luxurious life with him as his family was wealthy. I can do it on my own but it is not the same. He made everything better. I think Narcissism is exaggerated as well but unfortunately my ex meets all of the “criteria” of a covert narcissist. He was amazing to me for years, I mean 100% gentleman and treated me like a queen. He provided for me, took me dinners, bought me things. complemented me, rubbed my back and feet every night. But those weren’t even the things I fell in love with. I fell in love with his smile. With his “heart” that I thought was good back than. I fell in love with his compassion. Now I find narcissist mirror you and those were my traits? It is so confusing. It’s hard to believe he didn’t love and was just using me but what else does living a double life mean? I think I must be getting my period because I have been overly emotional. I have dreams and nightmare about him lately. I just wish he would at least respect me to give me closure. He hasn’t even reached out to see how I am doing with my moms passing. He loved my mom and they talked often. so hard to believe his heart is so cold. And I hope it is not that high either, meaning the 95%. I may just be paranoid but it feels like since my awakening I notice the way people try to use you at the drop of a dime. I can see right through people. Situations where I’d be so genuine I see right through and have to hold onto myself and not let myself fall victim to people’s sketchy ways.
Nichole
ParticipantHi Anita,
Of course you will hear from me, probably until the end of one of our times. I have been working my second job and not feeling the best these last couple of days. It has helped me to be at peace seeing people for what and who they are but also scares me and makes me sad. I went 30 years believing that life and people were as genuine as me. Learning that 95 percent of people just want to use people is shocking. Makes me feel like what is the point? If no one genuinely cares why do we gather? Why not be alone.
Besides these thoughts I have been craving and constantly missing my ex these days. I do not know what is bringing this on. I just sit and wonder how he let 5 years go down the drain? I was so good to him. I blamed myself in the beginning but when I look back I gave him everything. Then to find out about Narcissistic Personality Disorder!!! Do you believe in this disorder? I have read so much on it that I am drained and astounded this exists and is incurable!
Nichole
ParticipantHi Anita,
Don’t be in regret. It is crude but I like it, it applies sometimes. Unfortunately that word is associated with a sexual/sensitive matter but I am working on this trauma and releasing it so it didn’t even come to my mind in that way.
Regarding Florida, I am more and more aiming toward it. I have had a rather decent couple of days and usually get nostalgic during this time but I have actually been more realistic and am looking at things for what they are instead of what I wish they were. I do want to stay in good terms with my family but I also want my own life away from them. They do not hold the same beliefs as me whatsoever. And it is if I am being punished for wanting to change my life for the better. Ultimately I’d like to have a place away and here. So hopefully I can get some over time at my second job and really start saving!!
Nichole
ParticipantMy job I have right now is based out of Florida where I was living. I work from home right now. I make 17/hour. Going to be starting a second job which I can save that check entirely. I think my pay would qualify me for a small mortgage of the priced condos in Florida. But again no one in Florida. I do like the area I lived in there. Very safe and much cheaper than Illinois. But don’t know how I’d feel back there after break up. I’m in an Air BnB right now in a shared house. It’s oddly not that bad but I’m so exhausted from running around. Wish I had stability and comfort. Wish my Aunt was a bit more supportive. Am I asking too much? It seems every one I’m with since being home I am not satisfied with.
Nichole
ParticipantLol Anita, yes you hit it on the nose regarding my aunt!!!! So AirBNB tonight. I think if I see her tonight it will not be good so I am thinking of getting away tonight. My brother’s house was my free escape but I do not want to call on him with what is going on. So shared room for 15$ tonight. As long as I have peace.
What do you think about the situation going further? I cannot continue buying AirBnB’s. But do not want to give up dream of investing. It is the one thing that stays on my mind. I feel if I rent. I’ll be a renter for good with no stability.
Nichole
ParticipantHi Anita, I agree with you and I have been eliminating a lot of people in suffering and I will say it feels good at times. But when I see my future I still can’t help but see me happier, more stable and good people in my life but still having my family and hopefully one day helping them become healthier but I do understand that in the mean time I have to worry about me for once and focus on myself. Yes I hope I am out soon enough as well. I still have 5000 saved which could potentially get me an apartment here furnished but then I become a renter and probably wont be able to save living alone. Where as if I save another 5 grand I can potentially own a 50000 condo in Florida and pay less mortgage there than a rent here in Illinois. I am afraid to live in a city all alone but am becoming increasingly confident about this. I really would like to invest in something. I know my future self would thank me. But toughing it out here with my Aunt is getting rough. We had a conversation last night where she insinuates that when she had to start over after divorce it took her 5 years and was stay beneath an aunt of ours that was evil! She basically said you have to put up with crap until you are able to set out on your own and I find that to be mean. When she offered me this place I thought she was supporting me and now it seems she did it for some type of control. She has helped me a lot but I will not do things I don’t want to do because some one helped me. Is that selfish?
Nichole
ParticipantHello Anita,
I completely understand what you are saying and I agree with you. It has been on my mind for days as I have gone by. My brothers birthday was Friday so I definitely had to reach out and wish him well on his day. I am so hurt by him and his actions since this woman but I do have to stay I lost myself with my ex but I never stopped loving my family. So any way that I was acting I wasn’t intentionally doing so. So it is hard to cut ties or keep it superficial. He is not that great for emotional support but has ALWAYS been there as far as answer my call, pick me up, have me over, or anything I needed. I think our moms passing definitely has us breaking apart. I know I need to find new supportive loving people but I don’t think I want to lose my brother. I love him and my niece so much. I miss them. I do not wish to be around that woman though! Beside that I have been quite depressed these days! Struggling with living with my aunt still. Trying to find the best solution. I did pick up a second Job as to save and am hoping this helps distract me from living arrangements at the moment.
Nichole
ParticipantHi Anita, you are right and the universe has been pushing me to think of my life. But where to start? In just 6 months I’ve lost so much and learned so much. About myself and everyone else in my life. Things so painful that I don’t know how I survived some nights. Today my brother texted me again and said I Love you and I could help but tell him he has treated me less than love. He responded that he doesn’t know why I feel that way and we can talk about it at dinner. Me furious said there was nothing to talk about that he knew how he had treated me during the weekend and that he is lost and in bad company! (I really did over step boundaries). His reply was that he had no idea what I was talking about and that he is here to talk or hang out and loves me. I’m so confused. I cannot just stop talking to my brother, he will continue to reach out. There are days where I feel so strong in my decisions and others where I question myself. I guess his reply was invalidating so I started to wonder if I’m over reacting with my boundaries. I have always been taught family is everything and although family has betrayed me I still believe family is important. I hope I can find myself and my life and reunite with family and have a support system. In this life you need support. I’m confused.
Nichole
ParticipantHi Anita,
I am back home in Chicago. My last day went like this…
Spent the night at my brothers place while other brother and girlfriend & brother and wife from AZ went out to a bar as we planned but I cancelled. Stayed home with nephew. Woke in morning to drunk 35 year olds who could hardly stand. Heard all about the night and was glad I didn’t go. My brother and his girlfriend came the next morning and we talked as if nothing had happened the days prior. As always. We had lunch and went to airport together. Hardly spoke but were together. I observed my brothers actions and see him as his girlfriends puppet. He doesn’t leave her side and it as if he is afraid to make a move without her. She is highly insecure and I believe jealous of my brother and I relationship when I was introduced in the beginning. Let’s just say she has turned my brother against me and he is now a shell of himself. I have compassion because I too lost myself in my relationship but never did I disrespect my family. It is hurtful. By the end of the flight I was almost in tears by his treatment. To have to accept that my final true connection in this world is fading kills me. He is a good person and many many bad things have happened to him. And I feel like he thinks he found love and is holding on to it with dear life instead of working on himself and healing. When we arrived at my place where his car was parked I said good night and he looked at me and said I love you with this weak voice and I said walking away yea I’m sure you do. Not sure why but that is what came out. He texted me this morning and said Good morning Nichole I love you. I did not respond. He called me twice and I did not answer. He then texted me to let me know he was going to see my Aunt who is dying. I said let me know how she is. I am not sure how to confront this situation. I have to say something to him. But I am so hurt and angry today with his betrayal that I thought it was best I ignore him but I know that I should have better communication.
Nichole
ParticipantHi Anita, that’s a very hard decision to make but I do think I have to go that route. I an connected to his son he is 4. I love him dearly. I am extremely close to my niece in Chicago. It’s so sad this is reality. I feel so bad that my family communicates so poorly including me at times. I’ve been working at better communicating and boundaries but this trip branch the worst out of me. At the amusement park I feel my brother had tension from the last time we were here and basically passive aggressively antagonized me about it. It was cruel in mean. And I in return canceled Grand Canyon and went to hotel and haven’t spoke to him since. My communication was no better. So stressful and hurtful. Trying to calm this anxiety down. And trying to figure out how to end this trip well. I slept at my brothers house for the last night. Flight is at 5 30 pm. So here all day. My other brother should be coming and I basically have ignored his girlfriend and him so not sure how to deal with that toxic awkwardness. I just want to have the best possible ending to this trip. Was thinking of escaping to airport early but don’t want to run from the situation, rather confront it? Any suggestions?
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