He Was a Team Player — But His Teammate Never Told Him the Rules | Justin’s Story

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Justin shares the story of a relationship where he believed he was part of a team — until he realized he had been navigating it alone.

What began as a promising relationship with his second wife quickly accelerated into a rushed engagement, marriage, and parenthood. Justin noticed early red flags — overreactions that left him feeling off balance and growing control over their finances that he struggled to fully understand. Still, he believed in working through challenges, trusting that commitment meant showing up, adapting, and doing his part.

But over time, the emotional and financial pressure intensified. Justin found himself increasingly isolated, carrying responsibility while losing clarity and stability. As he worked harder to keep things together, the reality beneath the surface became harder to ignore.

It’s a story of rushed commitment, financial control, isolation, shame, obligation, guilt, fear, control, religious beliefs, being good enough, accusations, shifting expectations, divorce, custody, self-doubt, loss of identity, rebuilding, rediscovering freedom, finding peace in the small things again, and becoming the parent he always hoped to be.

CONTENT WARNING - This episode mentions child sexual abuse.

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Click on the title to read about Coercive Control as Care: Signs & Patterns

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