Sunday, March 31, 2013

Deluded Narcissistic Family Members Distort Your Identity

Growing up with a narcissistic parent you are constantly living with a person who creates his/her pathological reality. This individual is delusional and incapable of having a true relationship with himself or anyone else. A small child growing up with this person he or she calls a parent has a hard road ahead in finally seeing through mother, father, sister or brother's true nature as a narcissistic personality. There are exceptions I have found where the young child knows very early that something is very wrong with the members of his family. He is on the outs---picked as  a scapegoat or dismissed as not fitting in because he is odd, eccentric or just not good enough. In the world of pathological narcissism delusion begets delusion. Narcissistic family members side with one another against the child who sees reality as it is. In many cases the young child is at the mercy of how his grandiose, unempathic,cruel, manipulative parents and siblings distort his identity. They insist that their view of the world and of reality is the only living definition of reality. Everything outside of the narcissistic zone is peculiar, foreign, eccentric and sick.

Many narcissistic parents or mothers or fathers mold their children into perfect mirrors of themselves. Achieving this will give them bragging rights and better still they will possess living representations of themselves. What could be better for them then to have a living puppet who dances and sings to their tune. Some children in narcissistic families worship their brothers and sisters. They want to be just like them. Unfortunately if your brother or sister is a narcissist, you have not received kindness in return for your love for them. They have turned on you, used you to do their bidding and spat upon your sense of self.

Narcissistic family members always find ways to distort and even destroy your true sense of identity. They do not respect your individuality, your creative gifts, your special brand of intellectual curiosity, your sense of humor. They trample on your tender feelings and humiliate you. They laugh at your displays of emotion, stomping on your feelings of tenderness, your fears, the deepest parts of your loving heart. They make fun of what is most precious to you. You feel like they are trying to destroy you and doing a hell of a job. Their purpose is to distort and even destroy your identity unless you become like them or act as their servants and sycophants. 

There are many individuals who grew up in narcissistic families who lived in the desert of delusion for decades before they awakened and recognized that they were "raised" by individuals who didn't give a damn about their childrens' individuality and true identities. Finally, many of them begin to stir, open their eyes and realize that this was stolen from them when they were young and was perpetuated by intimidation and severe narcissistic psychopathology within the family. 

Those who recognize that they had been forced to disbelieve and reject their inner true selves, make the opposite turn and begin to appreciate how genuine they are. For some it has taken years to see themselves and to love that part of them that is so essential and beautifully genuine and delightful. They are on the road to healing; they are unstoppable. In many cases they reject their families of origin and sever themselves from the pathological narcissistic family gulag. 

They live in freedom. They are no longer forced to see through a glass darkly. There is no barrier to perceiving their inner and outer realities. They have a renewed vitality, the flourishing of their creative gifts, the joy of rediscovering their open hearts that are capable of loving deeply and they find an inner peace inside that has been waiting for them to embrace since birth. Visit my website:thenarcissistinyourlife.com

Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.
Telephone Consultation: United States and International
Book: Freeing Yourself from the Narcissist in Your Life
Email: lmlphd@thenarcissistinyourlife.com

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Misogynistic Narcissistic Husbands Full of Self Loathing

"Misogyny .... is a central part of sexist prejudice and ideology and...is an important basis for the oppression of females..." (There are women who are misogynistic toward other women.)

The narcissistic husband is convinced that he is superior to his wife. His self appointed role is to control her emotionally, psychologically, mentally. This may not what appears on the surface. Socially skilled narcissistic men appear to adore women. They charm them, wine and dine them, give them surprise gifts, offer effusive compliments and successfully seduce them. Some women become so entranced by narcissistic boyfriends that they marry them. After a honeymoon period that lasts varying lengths of time, the narcissist's true nature emerges. (You may have had strong hints of the dark nature of the NPD before the wedding.)

When their volcanic rage is spewing forth, telling their spouses how inferior they are, how they constantly make dreadful mistakes, insult their intelligence, throw verbal barbs in rapid succession and wear you down with constant attacks on you as a person--a woman, you are in a state of fight or flight. This internal chaos inside of you can become chronic. You never feel at peace. You celebrate those times when your narcissistic husband is taking business trips or out with friends. You dread his presence and find ways to allude him. But as long as you are married to this man, you are subject to his abuse. It is very difficult to tune out the thunderous tirades. He is the ultimate hypocrite. In public he is a prince of a man. He is respected even venerated by some. You are congratulated at social and business events for choosing such an extraordinary man as your spouse.He's getting the applause; you have the headaches, stomach aches, anxiety and depression.

Deep in the unconscious, the narcissistic husband is filled with self loathing and lives in a bleak, empty internal world. He is inauthentic and psychologically depleted. The narcissist, incapable of insight or introspection or empathy, is frantically searching his outer world for the psychological supplies that will fill his bottomless needs. He seeks others who venerate, even worship him. They provide him with constant praise, making him feel good. If he is a high level narcissist, others come to him to worship at his throne.

This dynamic is very different when you are married to narcissistic husband. Out of his public image and within the privacy of his home, this man is an ugly misogynistic tyrant. He thunders, bellows, screams through the house. He comes close to your face and you feel his foul breath and his disgusting words pierce your eardrums: "You are downright stupid. Women--they are idiots!" "My father was right. They are only good for sex and babies if you want them.. Otherwise, forget it." "You cause me so much stress I can't bear it." (Actually the reverse is true. Narcissistic husbands cause spouses to be in a constant state of fight or flight; their nervous systems are continually on the alert. These ugly scenes occur year after year, decade after decade.

The narcissistic husband continually spews his unconscious venom on to you, his wife. This abuse will not stop. He hates himself but has put you in his place. These projections will continue. He is incapable of insight, true remorse, introspection or empathy. Remember, he is the ultimate bully and hypocrite.

Some abused wives of misogynistic narcissists dissolve their marriages. This divorce course can be difficult but I often hear positive reports from ex wives of narcissists that are very positive. These women are now free. No husband is accusing them of being inferior or treating them this way. They have inner peace which is invaluable. They re-discover their creative gifts. They renew their relationship with themselves and find relationships that are genuine and meaningful. You deserve and are entitled to be your authentic self and to choose how you wish you live each day and to look forward to each day. Visit my website:thenarcissitinyourlife.com

Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.
Telephone Consultation: United States and International
Book: Freeing Yourself from the Narcissist in Your Life
Email: lmlphd@thenarcissistinyourlife.com
 

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Narcissistic Women Grabbing Highly Successful Men They Control

There are narcissistic women who spend most of their time seeking and finding the "right man." to marry. This means a guy with a lot of monetary assets and properties whom they can completely control. (Of course there are narcissistic men with the same plan). Narcissistic women are predatory. If the man they have in their sights is married, this is no problem for them---even if this "right guy" is married to her best friend or even her sister. They are brazen and conscienceless. In fact narcissistic women luxuriate in being outrageous. They always get away with it, especially if they are very attractive. Naturally these women need to brand their men by insisting on getting married without a pre-nup if at all possible. If the man in mind is not cooperative, they move on to someone else who is much more receptive. Some narcissistic women purposely marry men three or more decades older than they are who have immense wealth and worldly prestige. This is a perfect setup for them. If the guy is old enough, they find a boyfriend or two on the side to satisfy their need for excitement, frivolity, escape and sexual fun.

Men who marry these women often fall hopelessly in love with them and will shoulder limitless amounts of abuse, including constant demands for every material possession imaginable. These women are in charge of their unsuspecting husbands. They are incapable of loving them and don't invest emotionally in their spouses or want to. Using their seductive wiles, the narcissistic femme fatale can always bring her man back instantaneously if his attention wanders. Some spouses of narcissistic women become obsessed with them and put up with every level of verbal abuse. They are enthralled with this woman and would never give her up. On the other side the narcissistic woman is having a grand time playing the role of partner to a prominent, highly successful man who wields great influence. Despite their accomplishments, education and professional achievements, this particular kind of narcissistic woman gets most of her narcissistic supplies being aligned so closely with the lifestyle that this highly affluent man provides.

When the marriage falters and the narcissistic woman has total control of her husband's assets and feels restless, she moves forward to another relationship (which has often been going on for some time outside of the marriage) with a another man who will make all of her material dreams come true. The narcissistic woman never looks back to view all of the psychological and financial damage she has done. She moves in the unfettered fast lane of life where she creates her own rules of the road and fashions her life according to her extraordinary wishes and desires. Visit my website:thenarcissistinyourlife.com

Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.
Telephone Consultation: United States and International
Book: Freeing Yourself from the Narcissist in Your Life
Email: lmlphd@thenarcissistinyourlife.com


Monday, March 25, 2013

Ongoing Psychological Abuse by Narcissistic Sibling

There are many secrets held in families about sibling psychological abuse. Each child in a dysfunctional family is trying to survive. In a narcissistic family when a mother or father has NPD it is very difficult. When you combine this with a narcissistic abusive sibling, it is much more difficult.

From the beginning of there lives there are brothers and sisters who have to withstand their narcissistic sibling's torturous acts, cruelties that go on every day. The narcissistic sibling constantly threatens them with physical harm, or says that they will get her brother or sister physically beaten or psychologically shamed by telling on them. Often this telling is a lie that the narcissistic sibling uses to erode and destroy the innocent sibling's relationship with mother or father. Often the narcissistic mother and the sibling collude to victimize the chosen scapegoated child. This can take a form of torture to the point where the victim feels like he or she can be annihilated at any time. It is terrifying to grow up in these circumstances. The other parent is useless in standing up for this innocent child. The parent is oblivious or gone all of the time, or completely caught up in their own private world that has nothing to do with his/her children.

The abusing sibling is often chosen as the Golden Child who can do no wrong. These siblings perpetrate horrendous deeds on their brothers and sisters. When the parents are absent they bring their friends into the house to terrorize the already frightened child. They make him or her drink something that is putrid. They tie the child up for hours. They make him wet himself. They scare him to death, telling stories that they are about to kidnap him. And any other horrendous idea you can imagine. I know about these abominations from those who write to me and share their life stories. It can be hard to imagine that these cruelties take place. Believe me, they are happening and being repeated day after day and during the night. They are never ending. Children who grow up in these circumstances often develop post traumatic stress disorder. The narcissistic parent ignores her child's symptoms--night terrors, recurrent horror dreams, anxiety attacks, agoraphobia, physical symptoms of extreme distress. Narcissistic mom thinks it is all so humorous and overblown. "You have a wild imagination and are making this up to get attention." "Shut up and do your school work and don't talk about this again. I am sick of your lies." Among themselves the narcissistic sibling and the mother make fun of the child who is being severely abused. They are purposely perpetrating these cruelties upon this child.

Never underestimate the psychological damage that a narcissistic sibling in collusion with a narcissistic parent can and will do. Remember there is no conscience with these people. Some narcissistic siblings are highly sadistic and get pleasure from harming their brothers and sisters.

Those who remain silent--adults who know the truth--need to speak up an stop this horrendous cycle of abuse and torture. If you do now speak out and intervene, no one else will. Much of human nature has a distinctively dark side. Don't brush this truth away. Use you knowledge to alleviate the suffering of others who have been through these psychological hells of childhood. Many of these children survive to tell their stories. They are inspiring and redemptive. They are our heroes. Visit my website:thenarcissistinyourlife.com 

Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.
Telephone Consultation: United States and International
Book: Freeing Yourself from the Narcissist in Your Life
Email: lmlphd@thenarcissistinyourlife.com

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Reclaiming Your Identity from Your Narcissistic Mother

Narcissistic mothers steal the true identities of their children. Completely self absorbed, selfish, cold, cruel and dismissive of their child, the narcissistic mother demands that everything in your life revolves around her. You only exist in her mind as an object that she can use to pump up her ego or a receptacle of her out of control rage or both. She is incapable of nurturing or cherishing her child. She cannot soothe them when they feel hurt or afraid. Some narcissistic mothers are always angry. I hear many of these stories from children of narcissistic mothers, saying that all they can remember was her out of control rage at them and their spouse. The minute she walked in the door her kids went into hiding. She screamed through the house, demanding that they do her bidding--cleaning, waiting on her, cooking--doing every chore under the sun. Even little children at three years of age were expected to be her servants. The older ones raised the younger kids while mother lounged with her friends or went out shopping for long periods of time or they were even left over night to fend for themselves while she was out on dates with her boyfriends. In other cases, a series of men came in and out of the house to party with mother. There were numerous drunken scenes that her children were exposed to that caused them great fear and trepidation.

Narcissistic mothers never apologize for the psychological and emotional harm that they inflict on their children. Instead they blame them---even for being born. "I wish I never had you." "You cause me nothing but trouble." "You are to blame for all of my problems." "I should have given you away."

As an adult child of a narcissistic mother you have suffered from this psychological burden you have carried. But that does not have to be your identity. You can begin to heal by never blaming yourself for what your mother did to you or for her withholding love (that she never had inside of her).

Acknowledge that you are innocent and that you have survived this difficult family history. Give yourself a lot of credit for this huge accomplishment. Children of narcissistic mothers need to learn Self Care. By this I mean taking time each day to do some activities and practices that will calm your nervous system and give you a feeling of peace inside. These include some form of mindfulness. This can be meditation in a way that works for you. Listening to guided meditation through cds or other methods focuses your attention on the parasympathetic nervous system where you experience peace and calmness. Meditation can be very short. Try to be consistent so that it becomes a habit. Make it pleasant for yourself. Some people like to sit outside and listen to the birds, the wind, the changes in temperatures, natural sounds. Let your mind go free; don't make judgments. Another healing activity is gentle hatha yoga where the emphasis is on breathing through the nose. You focus on easy poses and use the breath to stay in the moment. Some people find classes helpful; others use a cd or other method and practice on their own. Be open to finding individuals who can support your original identity, the real you. Use your intuition to find those whom you can trust.
Pay attention to the basics: eat healthy unprocessed food, get healing sleep, rest when you need to and exercise in a form that works for you.

Your original self is always there beside you and has been waiting since your birth to be acknowledged. Pay attention to the source of wisdom--the voice of your intuition. It is always speaking softly to you with kindness and truth. Visit my website:thenarcissistinyourlife.com

Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D
Telephone Consultation: United States and International
Book: Freeing Yourself from the Narcissist in Your Life
Email: lmlphd@thenarcissistinyourlife.com  


Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Narcissists Love to Make You Feel Worthless

Narcissists are cunning, tricky and conniving. They must always be in control. When they are "on" and contact you, they always want something from you. They don't give a damn about how you are feeling or your life struggles. They have decided they want something from you--your time, connections, money, influence---any advance they can and will take. In these circumstances they are playing their game to the max. Their tone and manner couldn't be more charming. They compliment you in just the right manner that will pull on you emotionally. This is especially the case with an ex boyfriend/girlfriend, ex spouse. You ask yourself: "Why is this person coming back into my life now?" Your answer could be--because he has reconsidered his love for me. Watch out before you become engulfed by this play to your heart.
Narcissistic mothers and fathers and narcissistic siblings suddenly appear out of nowhere and make promises about coming back into your life. They are so clever with their words and their tone. "It's been too long. Let's spend some quality time together." Those are the magic words to an adult child of a narcissistic parent that can bring them back into the psychological ambush and painful entanglement with this NPD. Remember, these personality disorders do not change. They believe they are perfect. Remember that they are predatory--always surveying their environments for narcissistic supplies. They calculate your kindness and come up with the answer: Bingo--They can play you once again, get what they want and then disappear, leaving you feeling abandoned, emotionally battered and confused. Don't go down this road again. It is a painful acknowledgement to recognize clearly that your parent is narcissistic.

You are a unique individual, worthy of leading the life that you deserve. You are the author of your life story once you have severed the relationship with the narcissist. No one can own you, intimidate you, possess you. You are free to use all of your many gifts, to establish close relationships with others capable of compassion and kindness. Develop a strong pattern of self care--doing those activities that you love and that will make you strong on every level. Enjoy all of your many creative gifts, Learn how to laugh again. Trust you intuition. Seek the beauty and healing of Nature. You will find respite there. Rediscover your original previous self.
Visit my website:thenarcissistinyourlife.com

Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.
Telephone Consultation: United States and International
Book: Freeing Yourself from the Narcissist in Your Life
Email: lmlphd@thenarcissistinyourlife.com 

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Many Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers are Highly Empathic

After all of the insults, betrayals, brutality--mental, physical, psychological, exploitations, duplicity, uncontrolled bouts of rage or other abominations, I have found that most daughters of narcissistic mothers are highly empathic. They are capable of feeling and understanding deeply what another person is experiencing. Despite all of their ongoing, unending pain and maternal deprivation in childhood and beyond these daughters care deeply about others and have great insights into the painful experiences of those close to them and many whom they know and don't know.

I have the deepest respect and feelings of closeness to these forgotten daughters. I think of their life stories, their courage each day, facing a malicious, cold and psychologically dangerous mother whom they never deserved. Some still blame themselves for not being adequate daughters.....Please stop putting the blame on your shoulders. You are a beacon, a bright light to all of those daughters who still struggle to survive and break free of the emotional bonds of the dark cruelties of the narcissistic mother. You didn't ask to have this mother. It was part of your destiny. You survived and became an extraordinary human being. That is an enormous accomplishment. You give to others out of the depth of your heart. That is one of the reasons why we are here on earth.

Learn to give back to yourself. Take small steps. You will get in touch with the lovely child inside of you. She is waiting to be held and cherished by you. There are many pathways to healing. Discover what works for you. Gentle yoga with emphasis on breathing through the nose, activates the parasympathetic nervous system---All healing begins here in the calmness of the depths of this part of our body/mind. Listen to music that you love and helps you to feel calm. Deeply enjoy the presence of friends whom you trust.  If you like to write, do so spontaneously with joy and abandon. Sketching and writing is a wonderful way of experiencing what is happening in the moment. Some find peace in the garden where they see tiny insects going about their work, buds that have opened and promise to blossom, the scent of the rich soil that speaks of our deep connection with the earth--the eternal mother. Some find great  pleasure in cooking--engaging the senses in a special way. The colors of food are glorious. Preparing food is a form of meditation and creation for those who love it. Spending some time each day in quieting the mind in the way that works for you that is as pleasant as you can make it, is healing to the heart. It loosens fear long held, entrenched self doubts, terrors of long ago, sadness that haunts the body/mind. The power of meditation in the form that works for you cannot be underestimated but make sure that you are doing what is best for you. Here, there is no judgment---only the angels of encouragement and inner peace. Visit my website:thenarcissistinyourlife.com 

Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.
Telephone Consultation: United States and International
Book: Freeing Yourself from the Narcissist in Your Life
Email: lmlphd@thenarcissistinyourlife.com 

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Narcissistic Mothers--Avarice and Huge Egos

There is a type of narcissistic mother who organizes her life around her ambitions not her children's psychological and emotional needs. 

There are large numbers of mothers who must go to work to provide for their children. Some of them are divorced and the sole responsible parent.  They both work and take full parental responsibility.  These women put their children first even though they must work very hard to provide for them.They love their children and this is reflected in their kids' deep love for them.

 Many women are highly ambitious professionally. They possess the tools to high level success: drive, use of their fine intellects, formal education, talents, ambitions, fearlessness and confidence in themselves. They choose not to have children because their primary life trajectory is succeeding on the highest levels in business, academic, medicine, government, the corporate world.

Narcissistic mothers whether they have professional careers, work outside the home or stay at home, give birth to their children but don't raise them. It is difficult for some people to understand why these women have children unless you understand the narcissistic mindset. The narcissistic focus is on the external---creating and maintaining the Perfect Image. Having a couple of children is part of their Image Portfolio.These women can be on the high end career track or those who have chosen not to work formally. They spend their days focusing on themselves: enhancing their physical appearance, constant social activities, etc. Their schedules are full and include very little time with their children.

Some narcissistic mothers are filled with avarice ("excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain") ; they are obsessed with getting more. There is no end to their insatiable wants and musts. The narcissistic ego is boundless. She is perfect; others have enormous flaws. She is always right even when she makes huge mistakes that cause intractable pain and psychological damage to her children.

Children of narcissistic mothers suffer horribly under the cruel yoke of this self obsessed, unempathic parent. The pain often lingers after they have become adults. So many adult children feel guilty and take the blame for their mother's countless cruelties, deprivations, torments, bullying, shaming, exploitation. Many of these adult children discover the pathways toward healing their psyches and minds. I have discovered through a number of years of contact with these children that they are often among the most understanding and compassionate individuals I encounter. They have survived with grace and a loveliness of spirit that heal them and others who cross their path. Visit my website:thenarcissistinyourlife.com 

Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.
Telephone Consultation: United States and International
Book: Freeing Yourself from the Narcissist in Your Life
Email: lmlphd@thenarcissistinyourllife.com  



Sunday, March 10, 2013

Embracing Treachery--Married to Narcissistic Sociopath

Treachery causes an annihilation of the self. Its natural course is psychological danger to you, betrayal and deceit. When you live and are married to a narcissistic sociopath, treachery shadows you day and night. You are never safely alone with your private thoughts and feelings. The treachery of the NS creeps cunningly into your dreams that often reoccur, warning you to get away, get out, save yourself. But you cannot listen because you are ensnared by the sociopath's seductive ways--his promises, his rewards for "good behavior"--meaning that you do exactly what he expects of you, even if this goes against your personal principles and values. Many women are psychologically fused with socialized psychopaths and find them addictive. They flee from their lover or marital partner, only to return again and again. Each time they are a little weaker psychologically and less aware that the price they pay is with their lives--the dilution of their emotional energy, creative gifts, core sense of self, the initiative to follow their professional and personal dreams and to experience an abiding inner peace.

When you are twined with NS your life is in his hands, your thoughts are his thoughts, your heart belongs to him not yourself. He screams at you when he is projecting his noxious venom into your face. He humiliates you emotionally and psychologically when he is enraged. He gets a thrill out of hurting you as you cower and beg forgiveness for what he has done to you. The cycle of destruction is endless until women married or tethered to these men wake up and recognize that their mate suffers from a severe pernicious personality disorder that will not change. The experience with the NS leads you to the lowest depths of your being.

It is when we are at a very low ebb that the urgency of "Waking Up" becomes strong and persistent. The voice of intuition speaks clearly: now is the time to sever the non relationship with this man/woman.  You are a strong independent, capable and gifted human being.Leave this regressive, pathological non relationship. Get back in touch with your real self----the person you were meant to be. Visit my website:thenarcissistinyourlife.com

Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.
Telephone Consultation: United States and International
Book: Freeing Yourself from the Narcissist in Your Life
Email: lmlphd@thenarcissistinyourlife.com

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

You Cannot Communicate with A Narcissist

The narcissistic personality lives in a delusional world of his creation. Although he/she gives fine speeches and is highly articulate in their profession, they are incapable of the give and take of true communication. I am talking of a meeting of minds. The narcissist is of one mind---his. That is all that exists at the center of his universe. He is the sun, the center of everything that goes on in his world. You share his reflected light only if you can provide him with major narcissistic supplies---becoming an adoring spouse who acts as his servant, provide him with sources of power and paths to wealth, introduce him to influential movers and shakers.  If you are in his life and cannot fit his bill, especially if you are a spouse or child, you will be treated with disrespect, dismissiveness, constant ridicule, searing criticism, verbal assaults, mental gaslighting and psychological sabotage.

There is a fresh crop of young narcissistic adults who have extreme self entitlement issues. The current society gives these individuals a large pass especially if they are successful academically and professionally and are highly confident. Recently I had an encounter with a young narcissistic fellow. I had spoken to him previously and suspected that he was a narcissist. Every word that he uttered was about him. He bragged incessantly about his entry into a medical residency. I made an effort to engage him in a conversation but it was impossible. At one point I mentioned a renowned surgeon who was in his field of study and he didn't make a verbal or nonverbal reply. It appeared that he was unable to hear anything that I was saying except the sound of his own voice. He flashed a pasted smile with pearly teeth every time he spoke about his grandiose ambitions. He was obsessed with his perfect false self. I talked about a person whom I knew that had a medical problem in his prospective specialty. He was incommunicado. It was quite astounding. I watched him puff himself up like a peacock as he spoke about his future. When he did mention others there was a sharp disdain in his voice, a demeaning manner signaling his superiority.

I left the Prince's throne room and went outside into the night and gazed at the twinkling stars ---so beautiful, magnificent and real.

Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.
Telephone Consultation: United States and International
Book: Freeing Yourself from the Narcissist in Your Life
Email: lmlphd@thenarcissistinyourlife.com 




Friday, March 1, 2013

Narcissistic Mother-in-Law Breaks up Marriages

There are countless victims of psychological abuse perpetrated by the narcissistic mother-in-law. She is the controlling matriarch. One classic situation is the triangulation of the narcissistic mother, her son and his wife. In the beginning she pretends to care deeply about the new member of the family. The NMIL praises her son's choice of a partner and skillfully pretends that she wants the marriage go to be successful. But this can never be the case with a narcissist in any family role.

The narcissistic matriarch spreads lies about her daughter-in-law, beginning with subtle digs and innuendos about her character and family background. These lies are dropped like pedals on a lawn--meant to be barely noticed. In secret she goes to her son and slowly and skillfully drops poisonous bits of gossip about his wife. She puts doubts in his mind about her. At the same time the narcissistic mother is intimating that his ultimate loyalty belongs with her where it has always been. The wife becomes slowly aware that she is not welcome in this family. She feels a coldness and is ostracized by the narcissistic mother's inner family circle. She turns to her husband who feels conflicted between loyalty to his mother and love and duty to his wife.

After years of hurt feelings, attempts at bending to the will of this impossible woman, being on the receiving end of insults and false accusations, the daughter-in-law is forced to make a fateful decision. She can stay in the painful triangle, make further attempts to break her husband's pathological attachment to his mother or she will leave the marriage. These are difficult choices, especially if there is a strong pathological fusion between mother and son. These ties that bind are made of steel and cannot be unraveled.

There are successful  outcomes that involve the wife freeing herself by separating and divorcing her spouse. This is a difficult path but can be accomplished. The individual leaving the marriage often benefits from highly skilled psychotherapy, a support group of close friends and her own family of origin. It is better to be true to yourself than to struggle under the yoke of a woman who is out to destroy your individuality and peace of mind. Visit my website:thenarcissistinyourlife.com

Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.
Telephone Consultation: United States and International
Book: Freeing Yourself from the Narcissist in Your Life
Email: lmlphd@thenarcissistinyourlife.com