I remember when I met my ex, a Father of two kids while I had a son from my previous marriage. There were clear indicators with the narcissist, although I failed to recognize them at that time. Initially, he showered me with affection and swept me off my feet, leading to our marriage within a year of dating due to his insistence. What I interpreted as genuine love was, in reality, his intense desire to marry and exert control over me. A significant red flag emerged from the speed at which he pushed for marriage. After we married, he began offering "suggestions" on my attire, hairstyle, and parenting of my children from a previous marriage. Qualities he once admired about me during our courtship became subjects he sought to change. This shift in his attitude was a warning sign. He professed a deep love that translated into extensive time spent together, limiting my interactions with family and friends. Strangely, he would ignore me or make alternative plans, leaving me alone at home while he pursued his own interests. His intention was to isolate me from loved ones to avoid exposing his manipulative nature. His insistence on excessive togetherness and attempts to create distance between me and my support network were telltale signs. Name-calling started, disguised as "teasing," but the hurtful impact was undeniable. My interests and activities became subjects of ridicule, while his preferences took precedence. He displayed minimal interest in me or my thoughts, consistently interrupting or using his phone while I spoke. Expressing my concerns would provoke disdain, accompanied by crossed arms and disdainful glares. The absence of comfort, encouragement, or empathy were glaring signs of his inability to exhibit kindness, patience, and support. One of the most significant early warning signs (which I initially overlooked) was the condition for a content life: adhering to the narcissist's wishes. To have a harmonious life, I was expected to be subservient to him. My needs and desires took a backseat, and I was the target of mistreatment by his children and family members. My vacations involved catering to their needs, and my individuality was sacrificed to maintain peace. The realization that my happiness was suppressed for the sake of maintaining the facade of a functional family was a resounding warning sign that I disregarded. In retrospect, these warning signs appeared in various forms, and I regret not acknowledging them sooner. I held onto the misguided belief that things would improve, a belief I now recognize as foolish. Things never changed for the better, they only got worse. Sad to say I don't know any women past nor present who hasn't been physically or sexually abused by their partner Married and/or un married In my years of being a victim and also being around other victims of domestic abuse, I have realized that the chemistry between an empath and a narcissist is powerful but toxic. it consumes you till there is nothing left. I wish young people will realize the signs sooner, and even if they are already in it, I hope they realize it will never get better and get out of that black hole as soon as they can. In this books, I have highlighted all that you need to spot an abuser and how you can get out of an abusive relationship/marriage even when you are low on finance. Hoping to see you on the side of sunshine soon