From The Beginning There Were Red Flags

January 13, 2023 / 98 Comments

It was a normal January night and I was in Mom mode, but a chance meeting was about to turn my life in a direction I never saw coming. Stars filled the night sky, the weather was perfect, and I was loading one child up in the SUV and on my way to pick up my oldest child from his friend’s house. As I pulled in front of the house, my son came to my window and told me his friend’s father wanted to speak with me. I immediately knew this was not going to be a pleasant meeting…we all know how young boys can push the envelope. So I prepared myself and got into the “I’m so sorry and I will definitely handle this” mindset.

I took a few deep breaths as the father walked to my window and as I was rolling it down, my heart took a slight leap as I sat there looking into the eyes of one of the most handsome men I had ever seen. I can still remember to this day how those dark eyes grabbed my attention, the cap he wore, the hoodie he was wearing, and how he fumbled his words as he tried to talk. I could barely make out the point he was trying to make, and how he could barely look me in the eyes as he repeated his words over and over. Immediately I could tell he was attracted to me. He was nervous and instead of letting me have it about how the boys were being boys…he turned into a caring father who suddenly was making sure he was there to help. It was a short conversation, but that night, that chance meeting would set my life on a course that I was not prepared for.

I thought about him on and off for the next few months and then one day, I happened to cross paths with this man once again. This time…the whirlwind of a new relationship would spring forth and my life as I knew it would be a vague memory. I pushed back and kept my distance, trying to take my time and after a few weeks of calls, emails, and texts we finally decided to meet in person. Before we met in person, everything seemed to be just like any other new relationship starting out, no red flags, no reservations, and no reason to have any hesitation.

Our first meeting was while he was on lunch, it was just a quick meet and greet and we would be on our way. As we made small talk about jobs, kids, and how we grew up – I was totally unprepared for this man to lean over and kiss me. My first thought was…”bold move” because he had not earned that – he just took it. Nevertheless, my stomach was turning flips, my nerves were shaken, and he had just taken the reigns of this new budding relationship right out of my hands and I was hooked. We said our goodbyes and you could tell we were both floating on cloud nine. As we parted ways, I could not stop smiling and from that moment on…I was on a high I had never felt before and I mistook this high for love…but it would prove to be something entirely different.

He was not like other men I had met over the years. He was mysterious keeping his intimate life very secretive, only speaking about his work life, how he strived to work hard, and all his accomplishments. Vaguely telling how he had been hurt in the past and how it seemed the women in his life were the problem, how they used him and discarded him like he was nothing. Determined to restore his reputation in the community, he started opening up about the previous few years and how he had made a mistake in marrying his prior wife; he was looking for a “southern faith-filled woman”, but he got swept up in the partying scene with his last relationship. He made it clear he had jumped the gun in that marriage trying to recover from his divorce from the mother of his children. At this stage of his life, he was slowly trying to rebuild his life and reputation and it was evident that was of the utmost importance to him.

He was not a pursuer, and he left me guessing about how he really felt about me. Did I read him wrong? Was he shy, or scared? Was he an extremely hardworking and busy man? He would let days go by and then I would get a call and all my worries would calm down. Wait…why was I looking for him to call? Why did I care? Why was I waiting on his call? That was not me, I was an independent woman with a college degree. Why was I putting my life on hold waiting on a man to show his interest in me? My emotions had been tapped into and the cork could not be reinserted – something had changed and I was starting to feel like a prisoner waiting on a meal that felt like it was never coming. I was willing to accept the small effort he made because when he was “present”, he always left me happy and feeling giddy and I couldn’t wait till I would get to see him again. The love bombing had begun and I had sucked it up like a Hoover vacuum.

I later came to realize that he was a man that would make moves in our relationship like a man playing a chess game. Showing attention and then withdrawing was a cycle I came to settle for and ultimately crave; he was conditioning me for what was to come. In all my 40 years I had never had a man who was interested in me that would play these types of games. Games meticulously played that was meant to confuse me, withdrawing while giving me the silent treatment or ignoring me and then sweeping in to pour out huge doses of attention and love. What was this doing to me? It was conditioning my brain to crave the highs and lows so I would chase the rush I got from his attention. I needed the rush of dopamine in my brain to give me a high and I found myself searching for the highs, so when there were lows or “problems” in the relationship I would immediately fixate on making things better even if it wasn’t my fault. I became a master at apologizing, comforting him, and making sure he knew my love was eternal. It was like I was chasing the next high, just like a heroin addict. My mind had become a storage unit of discombobulation. This was slowly chiseling away at my self-esteem and I didn’t have a clue. Were these games he was playing? Was he only guarding his heart? Looking back on those early months of the relationship it was all about him and I was putty in his hands. It was exhausting keeping up and I stayed in a state of confusion and uncertainty about where we were and where we were headed.

But then things changed. All of a sudden I was the one he had been looking for his entire life, the one who completed him, the one he could not let get away, his soul-mate, and he wasted no time putting a ring on my finger within a few months of meeting him. But I was starting to see cracks and the red flags were starting to become more apparent, and even though these red flags were waving high in the sky, I chose to ignore them and once again I gobbled up his excuses and focused on how I felt around him. I could not sleep, I could not eat, I was falling harder and deeper for him and I could not hide it. But was I really falling for him or had the trap been set and I fell directly into his plan?

So what were a few of the red flags I noticed?

As I said earlier, he was not like any man I had ever met. Even though he had been divorced for years, he still was connected to his ex-wife and there were no children involved. Even living in their old home while she was overseas. He had an excuse for that of course…he always had an excuse. They were merely friends and he was taking care of the home while she was away. His friends and his vacations took precedence over our time together, going so far as bringing his sister on a planned beach trip for the two of us and our kids. His excuse was he felt sorry for her being alone, but in reality, it was another chess move to keep me in a state of feeling confused about his feelings for me, and I fell right in line to give him all the adoration he desired.

At times I started to feel like I was only there as a showpiece, someone that was younger who was stroking his ego and that’s when I started to pull back. As I pulled back, he came in hot and strong determined to marry me. He was insecure and jealous and if I tried to reassure him, he would deny any insecurities and make the issues my problem, then the silent treatment would come. By this time I was so far in, getting out felt impossible. In fact, getting out was never even a thought; only making him happy and doing what I could to wash away his insecurities was all that was on my mind.

The idealization or love bombing stage had now moved into the devaluation stage mingling back and forth together and I had no clue that I was even in this type of situation. These were just hiccups in a new romance; things needed to be ironed out and all would be fine…well, that’s what I told myself. I never even thought that I was in the early stages of a storm and I was blindly walking into it with a smile on my face and a pep in my step. Even though there were small nudges deep inside me to slow down, to breathe, to step back and reevaluate this new romance, I moved forward and ignored them. Were these nudges from the Lord? How could that be? He checked so many boxes of what I wanted in a partner, and yes there were “obstacles”, but I was in love in a way I had never felt before. Little did I know the obstacles would grow and the love bombing would become more intense. I was on a fast track to destruction and love, and it was packaged in a pretty little box with a bow on top, and I was more than eager to accept it.

Ignorance is bliss and I was in bliss, disregarding my gut instincts, completely turning away from the red flags with my head buried in the sand. But at what cost? The lid on this box had only been cracked and the storm I was walking into was picking up speed!

*As always, this was written as my own opinion

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Proverbs 31:25
“She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future…”

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98 Comments

    • RH

      January 13, 2023 at 1:08 pm Reply

      I was in a relationship with a
      Narcissist for 13 years. It took me 2 years to end it. It took me another whole year to get myself back and to forgive myself for allowing this to happen. I met my now husband a few years later. The first few years of my relationship with my current husband I spent looking for the red flags I had seen with my ex. My current husband is nothing like my ex but it’s hard when you have been brainwashed by a narcissist to get over all those bad feelings. I have been with my current husband for 9 years and I can finally say I completely trust him and myself. I have a few friends in relationships with with narcissist partners and it is the same scenario over and over.

      • Beverly

        January 13, 2023 at 2:17 pm Reply

        Oh wow, I can totally relate! I’ve been totally focusing on me, but I’m ready to get back to working the blog and talking with you girls. This was my first step and I’m even more ready now! Thank you so much for sharing your story, I know I’m not alone. A couple of my friends are going through the same thing, so it’s a lot more prevalent than I ever imagined. Hearing how you took time and overcame it makes my heart swell. And encourages me so much!!🥰

  • Pants

    January 13, 2023 at 12:20 pm Reply

    Thank you for sharing. Yes, I can totally relate to your story. Mine was a Marine, had a child and married at 19, would stay in a mentally abusive relationship for 15 years. Very much understand the love bombing and addiction to the high’s. It’s this very thing that almost prevented me from marrying my current husband of almost 17 years. I thought I might not truly “love” him because I wasn’t experiencing the high with him. He’s an amazing man and I’m lucky I was able to break the cycle.

      • Kelly

        January 17, 2023 at 8:17 am Reply

        Covering you in His everlasting peace which transcends all understanding. I’ve been there and I see you. Waking up to the darkness of narcissism and the toll it takes is MUCH. You are profoundly brave… it takes incredible courage to get out of toxic relationships. AND there is another side. You’re choosing you!
        Be strong and courageous. 🙏💕

  • Lisa M Michels

    January 13, 2023 at 12:23 pm Reply

    You are brave, you are beautiful, you are enough! You know I am always here for you!! I love you girlfriend! Keep smiling and keep pushing forward!

    • Joyce

      January 14, 2023 at 12:02 am Reply

      You are so brave, beautiful lady! Speaking out loud is s-c-a-r-y! But, it helps ❤️ it helps YOU and it helps us. We don’t know each other, but your name will be on my prayer list. Ps… I adore your fashion and have bought several of your suggestions! Thank you for being real, in all things.

  • Kate

    January 13, 2023 at 12:27 pm Reply

    Thank you for being so open, and sharing your story. It can’t be easy, but your honestly and connection will help other women. Please know that. I appreciate you, and thank you. ❤️

    • Kay

      January 13, 2023 at 1:42 pm Reply

      I enjoy your blog very much! You do a great job putting outfits together. Telling your story is hard, but I admire you. I feel as if I have lived the story you are telling. Feeling driven to marry someone that is emotionally and mentally abusing you is definitely something I can relate to.The marriage only lasted 2 years. My friends and family were praying and begging for me to leave. When I did leave, I felt so free! I am blessed with a wonderful husband now and thankful every day. I pray for God’s perfect plan for you. Thank you for sharing. Take care.

  • Michele

    January 13, 2023 at 12:30 pm Reply

    Thank you for sharing. I feel confident that by you telling your story, you will be able to help others.
    Again, thank you!

  • Jennifer Wade

    January 13, 2023 at 12:34 pm Reply

    I am with you, you don’t know me, and have no idea how you have changed me through the past few years. I am a better person because of you. So when I say I’m with you, it is with sincere love.

  • Shelly Tuggle

    January 13, 2023 at 12:46 pm Reply

    Thank you for being so brave and sharing your story. Prayers that God will use it for big and mighty works! God is still writing your story:) Blessings!

  • Diane

    January 13, 2023 at 12:59 pm Reply

    Hoo boy, I felt like I was reading my story – one that went on for 14 yrs. I finally walked away 6 years ago at age 49 (and am in a wonderful and healthy relationship now) but I was never able to put into words all of the problems and reg flags, the insecurities and times of isolation. Thank you so much for sharing!!
    Hugs to you soul sister!

    • Beverly

      January 13, 2023 at 1:01 pm Reply

      Wow! Thank you Diane! It’s so amazing to hear from everyone. I was so scared to post this. My SIL read it before I posted and she says she read it 5 times and even though she lived through it with me, she was ready to read the next post lol. Hearing from you strengthens me!! Hugs and love🥰

        • Beverly

          January 14, 2023 at 9:48 am Reply

          I am on my way!! Thank the Lord lol!! Last year hit my wallet from lack of working, but it was worth it. The healing part needed to be addressed ASAP and I never would have imagined it would have taken more than a month before I could get back into my routine and live life. I found out real quick this was going to be an extended journey, but I’m trucking down the road of recovery pretty good now!! Thank you so much Elaine🥰

  • Mcash

    January 13, 2023 at 1:14 pm Reply

    Thank you so much for sharing. I feel like this is a God shot. Like I was meant to come across this. Truthfully, I don’t usually read the post 🙊 I jump down to your fashion. Which I love 💕. Thank you for your openness. May God continue to give you strength 🙏

  • Christie

    January 13, 2023 at 1:20 pm Reply

    ❤️❤️ praying for you. I always have to find a positive in the negatives life throws, so my positive for you…..you are a wonderful writer. You have taken a tragedy and turned into an amazing story. Unfortunately it’s a non-fiction and the main character is you. But you have an amazing way with words. Thank you for allowing us into your life.

  • Gina R

    January 13, 2023 at 1:30 pm Reply

    Isn’t it funny how they can take the situation and make it your fault, how there is an excuse for everything, and the sincerity of the explanation of the issue can completely. Are you feel that you are wrong? Talking about husband #1 not Clarence.

  • Vicki

    January 13, 2023 at 1:31 pm Reply

    I’m willing to bet there are many of us who could have written this same or a very similar story. I envy your strength and bravery for being willing to share your journey. Please know you are not alone. While the immediate ending may not be textbook happy – finding that for ourselves is often a marathon rather than a sprint. Stay strong, and always get up, dress up, show up, and never, ever give up!

      • Mandy

        January 13, 2023 at 9:51 pm Reply

        You are so beautiful inside & out! I love your style & your heart for Jesus, and I see myself in your story. I didn’t want your post to end and need to see what happens next because I’m still in this situation. Thank you for being brave enough to share!

  • Tonja R

    January 13, 2023 at 2:38 pm Reply

    And this is why I love your blog so much! You are real! You make it possible to relate to being a human and not be perfect. I have pulled away from Facebook b/c everyone makes their lives look so perfect. You are definitely on the path to healing. I, too, envy your strength.

    • Beverly

      January 13, 2023 at 2:42 pm Reply

      Oh my goodness, thank you so much! I’m totally human 😂😂with all the ups and downs of life. I have come to realize that keeping life real is the only way to go. It’s messy, but overall it’s a beautiful life we all live. I love seeing your comments Tonja!! You make me smile 😊

  • Lynn

    January 13, 2023 at 3:21 pm Reply

    Just separated in 2020, he sounds just like my past, still healing, thank you so much for sharing, it truly does help us! Love your blog, please continue to share!

  • Dawn Sutherland

    January 13, 2023 at 3:24 pm Reply

    I hate that the story we are reading is true. You are a fantastic writer. I can’t wait to read more. You never know who needs encouragement and you have been given the platform to show how God works in all of us.

    • Beverly

      January 14, 2023 at 9:39 am Reply

      Thank you! I’m very surprised there are so many other women in similar situations. I am slowly writing more. As I’ve mulled over the relationship going back to the beginning I can see so much that I missed or ignored. Revisiting the early years is painful and eye opening. It’s taken me a while to get here but you girls are really making me feel like I need to keep telling. I feel so “ignorant” as I look back, but I’m glad I can use this to encourage others. Have a great weekend!

  • Holli

    January 13, 2023 at 4:40 pm Reply

    Thank you for sharing your story. Praying for healing from this terrible trauma that you’ve been living. I’ve been there myself, always wondering what I was doing wrong, never able to make my ex happy. The silent treatments are the worst. By the end of my 23 year marriage, I was able to give him the silent treatment back…one time we didn’t speak for 30 days! I knew then that I was not gonna keep living that way because that’s not who I am. I’m now happily married to a very sweet, caring, loving man who loves me as I am. I know your story will help so many women realize it’s not them…it’s the narcissist they are in a relationship with!! 💖

    • Beverly

      January 14, 2023 at 9:41 am Reply

      30 days…wow! It took me about 5 years before I started shutting down and not playing the games but that took me hitting my high water limit. I never went 30 days though. You got some willpower!!👏🏼👏🏼 Thanks for sharing!!

  • Penny Jo

    January 13, 2023 at 7:04 pm Reply

    You are a really good writer. This is self help book material for sure. I don’t know what your degree is in, but writing and communicating is a strong suit for you. I’m not sure this type of narcissistic individual, male or female, can be changed. From reading the above comments, apparently it is epidemic. Sad. So much damage but thankfully you all are on the path to healing.

    • Beverly

      January 14, 2023 at 9:45 am Reply

      It is an epidemic and it’s very sad to hear all this, but also so helpful. My family has been pushing me to write a book and I am going to give it a try. As far as writing, I’ve never written anything like this. But I was the one who penned training manuals, policy and procedures, and all training material for a few companies when I was in the workforce. I decided to write this like I was sitting in front of my girlfriends telling it. You are incredibly sweet!! Thanks for the encouragement 🥰

  • Jen Cueva

    January 13, 2023 at 8:44 pm Reply

    You’re so brave for sharing your story and getting out. Because of your vulnerability, other women will benefit. Thank you for sharing, Beverly! You’re a strong and beautiful woman. Prayers i with you as you heal and focus on yourself and your children and grandbaby.

  • Jami

    January 13, 2023 at 10:39 pm Reply

    As I read this and thought of you, a Bible verse came to mind, Proverbs 31:25, and as I came here to comment, I realized it’s the verse that appears at the end of your posts.
    You ARE strength and dignity, and with all you have endured, you are more than a conqueror! Thank you for sharing your story. 💕🙏🏻

  • Teresa Byrd

    January 14, 2023 at 7:58 am Reply

    I pray for healing for you! I dated someone for a few months after Charles died and so many of those same red flags and mind manipulation were there. Fortunately it ended but it still haunts me how it made me feel. So well written! Big hugs to you!

  • Mandy Richardson

    January 14, 2023 at 10:11 am Reply

    Praying for you to find God in the healing. Thank you for sharing with us and being so courageous and vulnerable.

  • Stephanie

    January 14, 2023 at 10:44 am Reply

    You are so brave to share. I’m sorry you have been through such difficult times. Glad you are the mend. You are beautiful and deserve so much happiness.

    • Beverly

      January 17, 2023 at 7:54 am Reply

      Thank you so much Stephanie! It was tough, but it’s made me so much stronger in so many ways. I took a lot of time to get it together, but it will be worth it as I move forward!! Hugs❤️❤️

  • Lannie

    January 14, 2023 at 4:33 pm Reply

    Omygosh Beverly,
    These red flags/emotions feel very familiar!!!!
    Thank you for sharing this part of your life.
    You are a beautiful person and writer.
    Looking forward to your next “chapter”.
    Happy healing ❤️ xoxoxox

  • Jen

    January 15, 2023 at 3:04 pm Reply

    I do hope writing and sharing is cathartic for you. I’m so glad you broke free. It’s an example of how we need to be totally dependent on God, huh? It’s tough when we’re swept away. Thank you for your honesty.

    • Beverly

      January 17, 2023 at 7:59 am Reply

      Totally dependent on the Lord. It was an eye opener to just “be” for nearly a year. It’s amazing how we can get off the path intended, but God is still there to nudge us back where we should be. It has been a very humbling journey!! And I’m grateful for the journey. Missed you girls, and so thankful you all have been so patient and supportive ❤️❤️

  • Melanie S

    January 15, 2023 at 6:13 pm Reply

    It’s Amazing to see all of these lovely ladies who read your blog reaching out supporting you and praying for you!! I am blessed to have come across your blog and get to know you and your family. You’re in my prayers and praying for complete healing. Phil 4:13 ♥️

  • Lana

    January 15, 2023 at 6:29 pm Reply

    I’m so sorry to hear about your pain. What is wrong with people nowadays?? Sigh……. Know that you are not alone. Praying for you 🥰

  • Belinda T

    January 15, 2023 at 7:04 pm Reply

    Narcissist are so damaging. I have a story in my past. So thankful my children and I made it out. Praying for you.

  • Chris

    January 17, 2023 at 5:09 am Reply

    I am so sorry for all you have been through…..it is so good that you can write so eloquently about it , you are helping others who may have gone through or are currently going through similar things! You are one strong, caring , loving lady and you deserve all good things!

  • Karen Cooper

    January 17, 2023 at 6:46 am Reply

    You are a strong, beautiful, amazing woman to not only recognize the unhealthy situation you were in but to do something about it! Your story will be a ray of hope (and wake up call) to many! Thank you for sharing your story!

  • Kelly Palmer

    January 17, 2023 at 7:22 am Reply

    I know that this must have been so difficult for you to write and to have to revisit all of those old memories. You have been through so much and have come so far and I am so thankful to the Lord for the healing that He is bringing about in your life. Keep looking to Him my friend and he will give you the desires of your heart for He has a good plan for your life. Jeremiah 29:11. Much love and prayers being sent your way my dear friend! 🙂

  • Sherri

    January 22, 2023 at 1:49 pm Reply

    Lovebombing, hoovering, mind games, devaluing, their importance, and making their partner feel like everything is their fault to fix……my friend, he is a true narcissist! Run, run as fast as you can and never look back! This is the only way to save yourself. A family member was married to “the devil in flesh” and almost completely destroyed her in every way possible! It was horrifying the torture she went true! She got out to survive but it’s a long road ahead to mend and cope with the damage that was done to her and her kids! He was evil as most narcissists are!
    I’m praying for you!

    • Beverly

      January 22, 2023 at 2:23 pm Reply

      I realized he was a narcissist once I couldn’t keep it together. That’s when I started educating myself and walked away with ease! But that trauma bond is no joke! It takes time! We will be divorced in a few months!

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