How do you talk to a narcissist during divorce?

Asked by: Jacinto Becker  |  Last update: October 18, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (34 votes)

To learn more about how to communicate during a divorce with a narcissist, get in touch with one of our Georgia attorneys.
  1. Only Communicate in Writing. ...
  2. Remain Empathetic. ...
  3. Be Brief and Stay on Point. ...
  4. Leave Emotions out of the Discussion. ...
  5. Ask a Lawyer about How to Communicate during a Divorce with a Narcissist.

How do you respond to a narcissist during divorce?

10 Tips for Divorcing a Narcissist
  1. Organize Your Plans Before Doing Anything. ...
  2. Keep Copies of Everything. ...
  3. Aim to Stay Calm & Cool. ...
  4. Stay Connected to Support. ...
  5. Avoid Badmouthing. ...
  6. Secure a Strong and Successful Lawyer. ...
  7. Set and Implement Healthy Boundaries. ...
  8. Review Your Digital Boundaries.

How do you communicate with a narcissist after divorce?

10 Strategies for Dealing with Your Narcissistic Ex
  1. Realize they wont change. ...
  2. Remember a divorce happened. ...
  3. Schedule responses. ...
  4. Answer only what is asked. ...
  5. Dont tolerate any abusive behavior. ...
  6. Appreciate the silence. ...
  7. Use the hamburger method when something is needed. ...
  8. Limit interactions.

Do narcissists grieve divorce?

Narcissists are notorious for having extreme reactions, and the way they respond to divorce can be apocalyptic. Even if the narcissist wanted the divorce, the fact that the marriage ended tarnishes their image and makes them feel shame.

How does a narcissist treat his wife?

Narcissists are misogynists. They hold women in contempt, they loathe and fear them. They seek to torment and frustrate them (either by debasing them sexually – or by withholding sex from them). They harbor ambiguous feelings towards the sexual act.

How SMART women divorce a narcissist

34 related questions found

What threats do narcissists make during divorce?

They try to intimidate you by threatening to take you to court, get full child custody, or bleed you dry. They're fond of terrorizing you via email and text because these methods give them 24/7 access to your frazzled nervous system. Make sure to save their threatening emails for evidence.

How do you talk to a narcissist without going insane?

Although it may be challenging at times, consider keeping these tips in mind the next time you speak with them:
  1. stay calm and respectful.
  2. share how they make you feel with “I” statements.
  3. stand up for yourself and your position.
  4. maintain boundaries, but try to be empathetic.
  5. rely on a support system.

How do you beat a narcissist in separation?

The following are six practical tips when divorcing a narcissist:
  1. Document everything. Narcissists seem to have no issue with bending the truth to suit their own narrative. ...
  2. Set boundaries. ...
  3. Hold firm on your boundaries. ...
  4. Keep calm. ...
  5. Get support for yourself. ...
  6. Accept the reality of your situation.

How do you outsmart a narcissist in court?

7 Effective Ways to Deal with a Narcissist
  1. Don't get engaged in an argument. ...
  2. Keep your child away from conflict. ...
  3. Don't hope for reconciliation. ...
  4. Keep records of everything. ...
  5. Get ready to elaborate on Narcissism to the Judge. ...
  6. Know that Narcissists Have Mental Illness. ...
  7. Get legal help.

What to say to a narcissist to shut them down permanently?

I Don't Like How You're Speaking to Me so I Will not Engage” Saying this sets a boundary. They feed off of triggering you, so knowing that you won't participate in a fight will cut off their supply. For this to work, it's important that you don't cave in when the narcissist inevitably persists in engaging you.

What turns a narcissist off?

When you don't depend on anyone to make money and you use your abundance to take care of yourself and not predators, you will always have the ability to control your own future. This is power, and pathologically envious narcissists are often turned off by it because it means they cannot easily control a victim.

What is the silent treatment of a narcissistic personality?

Narcissistic silent treatment is when a narcissist ignores and avoids interacting with you to punish, control, or communicate that they are unhappy with you. It's a form of manipulation, and this toxic behavior can negatively impact the victim psychologically and emotionally.

What does a narcissist not like to hear?

There are many words people high in narcissism don't want to hear, but perhaps the worst involve a “no,” as in “No, you can't," "No, you're wrong," or — even worse — “No, I won't.” This makes it difficult to go about your ordinary business with the people in your life who don't understand the give-and-take of normal ...

What is the best way to drive a narcissist crazy?

11 Ways to Drive a Narcissist Nuts
  1. Ignore them.
  2. Offer constructive criticism.
  3. Set and enforce your boundaries.
  4. Call them out in public.
  5. Compare them negatively to others.
  6. Show up late.
  7. Stay calm when they try to rile you up.
  8. Bring up hard facts.

Why do narcissists drag out divorce?

Narcissists need to keep you to maintain their supply of narcissism. This is the emotional fuel they need to prop up their fragile egos. Without you, they would have to face the painful reality of their own inadequacies. This is why they often try to delay the divorce process or drag it out as long as possible.

Will a narcissist settle out of court?

A narcissist will often refuse to compromise because they don't want you to "win," so it's unlikely that you'll be able to settle your case out of court. Expect a high-conflict case that will last a year or more.

Do narcissists have a high divorce rate?

But what many people don't realize is that these relationships are also some of the most likely to end in divorce. In fact, research has shown that nearly 60% of all marriages to narcissists – male or female – end in divorce. So, what's the reason for this high rate of divorce involving this one personality type?

What are the four words you should never say to a narcissist?

8 Things You Should Never Say to a Narcissist
  • Don't say, "It's not about you." ...
  • Don't say, "You're not listening." ...
  • Don't say, "Ina Garten did not get her lasagna recipe from you." ...
  • Don't say, "Do you think it might be your fault?" ...
  • Don't say, "You're being a bully." ...
  • Don't say, "Stop playing the victim."

What is the #1 word a narcissist Cannot stand?

It comes hand-in-hand with this that narcissists hate being criticised or called out. Which is exactly why there's one word in particular narcissistic people cannot stand: "no".

What words can destroy a narcissist?

Phrases and Words That Destroy Narcissists
  • 'I know the truth about you' or 'I see right through you' ...
  • 'I don't remember that' ...
  • 'I'm busy and don't have time for you right now' ...
  • 'You are a failure' or 'I am so disappointed in you' ...
  • 'It's your fault' ...
  • 'I Don't Believe You' ...
  • 'Goodbye'

What hurts a narcissist?

Narcissists are hurt by challenges or threats to their superior and grandiose self-image (also known as narcissistic injury). Their sense of entitlement and lack of empathy means they will attempt to destroy the culprit by any means necessary.

How do you outsmart a narcissist silent treatment?

If they choose to give us the silent treatment then it's up to them, not you. By establishing boundaries, enforcing consequences if necessary, sharing emotions with others, and speaking up for yourself; you will take away their power, thus protecting yourself from the narcissist's silent treatment.

Is ignoring a narcissist the best revenge?

Does ignoring a narcissist work? First of all, narcissists hate being ignored, so ignoring them may be the best form of revenge. But, it should not be your primary motivation. The most essential thing here is to be mature enough to let go of toxic individuals in your life, no matter how difficult it is.

What angers a narcissist the most?

Narcissistic rage is common for those with NPD as they grow increasingly angry with any display of vulnerability. This anger can be triggered when they are “called out,” their image has been damaged, or their shortcomings or wrongdoings are highlighted.

How do you starve a narcissist?

Don't accommodate them. If they need you to do something for them, even if it's small or no trouble at all — don't do it. Try to refuse them with the least amount of fuss possible. Know that the more you do for the narcissist, the worse it will get.