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Tips For Partners Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder

January 17, 2011 Holly Gray

Living with dissociative identity disorder (DID) presents unique difficulties, whether you're the one that has it or the person who loves the one living with it. I can only imagine how frustrating, confusing, even painful it must sometimes be to have a partner with DID.

I've witnessed how challenging it often is for my own partner and, if some of the comments I've received here at Dissociative Living are in any way representative, her experience is typical. But it's also largely ignored. Partners of people with DID don't get that much support or encouragement, primarily because only those who've been there can truly understand (Caregiver Stress and Compassion Fatigue).

3 Tips for Partners Who Love Someone Living With DID

I asked my partner what she'd say to help partners of those living with dissociative identity disorder. Check out her 3 tips for people affected by DID. As someone with dissociative identity disorder, my perspective is different than my partner's. I think that's what makes hers so important. Significant others are in a unique position to offer viewpoints and ideas that might otherwise be overlooked. When I asked my partner what she'd say to someone in a relationship with a person with DID, this is what she said:

  1. Know and maintain your own boundaries. You can't support others if you aren't supporting yourself. You're going to let your partner down sometimes. That's true in any relationship. When you let someone with DID down, the ramifications can be far-reaching and surprisingly painful. It may be tempting to make your own needs negotiable in order to ensure peace and stability. But that will backfire eventually by sowing the seeds of resentment and creating an unhealthy imbalance. Knowing your limits, and making the hard decisions required to honor them is vital. Believe me, sacrificing yourself won't heal your partner's wounds anyway.
  2. Nearly impossible, but try to learn how to not take it personally. You're going to be the villain to some no matter what. People with DID generally have trust issues that nearly incapacitate them in relationships. It's not unusual for protective alters to attempt to sabotage intimate relationships. That's not about you.
  3. Learn as much as you can, but remember all systems are different. There is no way to be in a relationship with someone with DID and not be profoundly affected. Living with dissociative identity disorder is just plain hard. It only makes sense to educate yourself. Not for your partner's benefit, but for yours. It's awfully hard to cope with something you don't understand (3 Ugly Truths about Dissociative Identity Disorder).

Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder Is A Choice for You

Those of us with DID don't have the option of walking away from the illness. You do. For my part, I'd like to remind you that no matter how it feels, DID isn't forced on you. You can leave, or choose not to get involved at all. Those of us with this disorder would spare you if we could. So when it gets rough - and it will get rough - please remember this: living with dissociative identity disorder is a decision you're making, not something we're doing to you. Blame us for our choices and behaviors ... not for having DID.

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Photo by Randy Pagatpatan

APA Reference
Gray, H. (2011, January 17). Tips For Partners Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, March 28 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/dissociativeliving/2011/01/for-partners-living-with-dissociative-identity-disorder



Author: Holly Gray

Wendell
May, 18 2019 at 5:32 pm

I agree with this completely. You have to put yourself first. I will not put names or even hints I hope but I just got done talking to my significant others main alter protector for about 4 hours. This was the second alter that has spoken to me for more than 3 hours in the last week. I just discovered, as did my girlfriend, that she has DID for sure and she is struggling to come to terms with it. It is very clear that in the 2 years we have been dating almost all of the conflict we have had came from an alter that I "saw" but didn't realize was another identity. They believed I would judge their host whom I love and will not leave because she struggles with something that isn't her fault. I told her that I would do my best to love and befriend all of her others as long as I believed they have her best interest in mind. It seems they all do so far and the proper medications have helped immensely to keep my girlfriends main personality at the front which is what she wants. I know she has to make peace with all of her alters so that she can be fully healthy and I just want to do what I can to assist that process and I pray thanks to God he has given me the patience to learn not to take personally what an alter may do or say hurtful.

Kai
August, 27 2018 at 7:43 pm

Hello! My name is Kai, and my friend (who I'll call "C") has DID. I have had a long distance romantic relationship with one of his alters, who I'll call "A," for over a year, and we visited in person last summer. I had a wonderful time with them all, and it was one of the best times of my life.
Today, "A" told me that their therapist and the others voted that he needs to reintegrate, in order to strengthen "C," the main core of their system. I am devastated, but of course i understand. I love them all in their own ways, and want whatever is best for their system as a whole.
We said our farewells today. "A" said he won't be fronting again. I still am going to be friends with "C," and the others in his system of course... But... Do you have any insight as to how i should best deal with this loss? I feel like there's been a death, even though "C" is still alive. I don't want to burden "C" with my grief, he's struggling enough on his own right now, and, it's really complicated for me to explain to my own therapist, i don't feel like she'll understand it. I don't know anybody else who was close to "A," (he was a protector), so, there's nobody for me to grieve with about this... I feel like it's selfish of me to feel this way, and of course i want what's best for "C," and for their system as a whole... But it hurts so much, and i don't know where to turn. There's almost no information on navigating relationships with partners who have DID, or relationships with alters, let alone how to cope with losing someone to integration.
Thank you.

The17OfUs
November, 5 2018 at 3:26 pm

I have been with my wife for just over nine years. Just after we got married alters started to really show themselves. This was about four years after dating. Over the years since, a lot of things that happened in the past make a lot more sense. Note, I have also know this person since high school.
To date I have met most of the "others" as we call them in conversation (as they do also). There are twelve of them. One I was told died. I assume from what I have learned this particular one merged. None the less. This makes for a full house. I brought three children with me into this marriage. None of them to date have been told of the others.
It makes for an always changing, sometimes chaotic, stressful environment for me. Also, as noted above, sometimes lonely. I admit it has made me mad, sad, laugh and cry. I sometimes think, I did not sign up for this! But, I did. I married her because I loved her, all of her.. sickness and health, 4 year old or 60 year old.
I am searching for avenues of support as I can't talk to anyone about this. A couple friends know, and we get that.. "oh really?!"..

Betty
December, 8 2018 at 1:30 am

I think I have DID. I regress a lot. My husband has figured out how to safely bring me back. I know this is stressful for him.I wish I knew how to stop the regressions from happening. I was diagnosed with multiple personality disorder years ago and I fear it has come back but I have no proof.I am lost at what to do, any suggestions?

Jocelyn Alise
December, 15 2018 at 4:14 pm

Kevin is his name n we were together for 6yrs in which up until a few mos ago he was committed or so I thought to only me now he's with a 23yr old n he's almost 36!! We have a 5yr old daughter together who's very confused. She sees Daddy bein all nice n loveable to Mommy but then he goes back n denies our intimacy calls me delusional becomes Wells monster his ego is bigger than the altar himself so far there are three ik that his mother has mpd n from all the info n the deameanor I gather he has some form of mpd as well. This has caused him not only to separate US but all three of US includin our daughter I've been homeless now for two wks as he has stolen all my money so I couldn't leave him I'm all alone in this as he is a master manipulator n instead of takin accountability continuously blames me for " the monster he has become" idfk wtf to do anymore he hates me doesn't recollect or denies I myself am bi polar n it's taken me awhile to control n maintain me let alone all the nefarious unnecessary bs he's puttin me thru I've tried to tell him n he just continues to deny or he will tell me that I'm stupid delusional n or tells me to stfu I love him whole heartedly n hopes he sees that I'm not "full of shit" as he says n this isn't even All of it

CM
April, 26 2019 at 11:10 pm

I too am involved with a woman with DID it took some time before I realized the destructive alter was in control during the worst parts of our relationship. The alter I call Brenda has her own look and style and is quite sneaky. I began to notice Brenda was the one I always fought with the one that always liked , Brenda calls me stupid and dumb constantly when she is doing wrong she is manipulate and pushes me away. I have little knowledge of this disorder and it has become the nightmare of my heart. Brenda breaks up with me cheats, goes on drug binges for weeks and ignores me during these periods of separation. It is hard loving someone who can be this awful person at times and I can clearly see who I an dealing with because the entire appearance of my girlfriend is different her demeaner is calm and kind she is quiet and respectful. I'm having the hardest time trying to protect her from Brenda she is her worst enemy and it's a battle that is tough to fight. I love her so much and I'm not planning on leaving her side but it is very exhausting mentally and emotionally I am drained. I have periods of time where I'm so angry and hurt I think about killing myself. This has led me to a deep rooted depression and I sometimes feel overwhelmed, unappreciated and used. I know she loves me and she knows some of the behavior is heartbreaking. I'm doing my best to get better understanding of this with hopes of her starting some kind of treatment/therapy and praying Brenda goes on vacation and never comes back

Ashley
June, 26 2019 at 12:12 am

My fiancé cheats and lies watches porn won’t sleep with me gets angry about everything but it’s not him it’s zero and akasha that’s their names it hurts so much. He’s so sweet and caring and amazing or was but he’s barley there anymore it’s always the I miss him and they all don’t want to get help and I feel crazy myself we have a daughter and I want to leave but I love him how are you and her holding up ? It’s nice to see other people have gone threw what I’m going threw I felt so alone

Evan
December, 24 2018 at 4:52 pm

I know it’s Christmas Eve and people have other things to do, but this just hit today. I’m just learning of this. I’ve met this girl about 3 months ago. To put it short we were met at a seasonal job working long hours. We really hit it off from the get go. We had exchanged numbers the first day or so. Then she had to take leave for r&r. We worked a couple more days together when she came back before I was transferred. We kept in touch and I made it back and we reconnected. After the summer work we hung out and have tried to have a relationship. We live a couple hours apart so time is precious. During that time she said she was too busy and not to bug her, then it would be later in the day she missed me and want to talk. She had told me that she had been a ex addict and has been clean for a 6 years. She was also in an abusive relationship which almost killed her.
I guess what I’m wanting to know is normal for people DID to just try and push people out then want them back? We haven’t been able to see each other in a month and she has been working a high stress job. All she has wanted to do is fight with me on the phone and make me feel like I can’t do anything right. I couldn’t get Christmas right and basically broke up with me today. When we(were) together everything was fine, though it took a while to break the wall down. when we apart she like would build up this wall. I’m just at a loss and trying to learn more. Thanks

James
June, 25 2019 at 8:29 pm

It sounds more like she has BPD than DID. I myself have BPD, and after I found this out I've been able start recognizing and control myself better when I start exhibiting symptoms. I'm on here because I'm also currently dating someone with DID and looking for insight. I'm not a medical professional so I can't say for sure, but the behavioral patterns you describe are very close to mine.

Shawnesta
May, 30 2019 at 10:02 pm

Hi, My name is Shawnesta and I've been with my husband for 20 yrs now. He recently came out about his DID to me, our boys and some of the family. I knew he had multiple personalities but I never realized it until he came to me with his alter, Pixi. Him and Pixi are both in love with me but they get jealous of each other if one spends too much time with me than the other one. She enjoys doing all the things women would do. In example, painting her nails, shaving her legs and putting on make up as well as women clothing. My husband works at night and comes home in the morning and Pixi comes about and does these things and he wakes up like this and gets upset about it. I've mentioned to him about getting some kind of help with all of this and he refuses to cause he don't want to be medicated. I'm confused at this cause I know he needs help but I don't want to force it.

Ashley
June, 26 2019 at 12:24 am

Anyone want to talk who’s in a relationship with someone with did who gets cheated on and maybe abused mentally or physically I’d love to talk to someone who’s going threw what I am I feel so alone and almost and scared and tired

Jon wynn
August, 4 2019 at 5:00 pm

Hi ashley,
I would like to talk with you!
I recently got put of a relationship with the one I love. It is so hard to want change but powerless to help. My SO had 12 parts amd only 4 wanted me in their lives....

Jessica
August, 15 2019 at 9:59 am

I have been with my husband 15 yrs he has always been a lot to handle but I always assumed he was just a bad guy and I was a mug for staying with him. 2.5yrs a go he had a breakdown and since then he has been diagnosed with DID, I still don't fully understand alot about it but I am left with the nasty taste of all the lying and deceit over the yrs. He is seeing a counselor and had under gone psychotherapy, he is medicated(although I don't think correctly). How do you live with something you can't physically see but that effects you everyday. I used to think things would get better but I think I am kidding myself. We have 2 children which this impacts on but also which effect my decision for what to do for the best.

August, 15 2019 at 1:57 pm

Hi, Jessica. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and reach out. Thank you for being part of our community. As someone with DID, I understand firsthand that loving me comes with some difficulties and challenges. In the beginning, my husband didn't know how to handle me either, but just yesterday we celebrated 20 years together. I say this to let you know things can get better with time. It might be advisable if you continue to educate yourself on the disorder. HealthyPlace has great resources that can answer your questions. I might also seek counseling if I were you in order to learn how to cope with the feelings your husband's DID has brought up. Best wishes.

Ron
January, 17 2021 at 3:25 am

I am a 50 y/o man whose 2nd wife was AMAZING... and asked me to marry her.... she was stunningly good-looking, ever-giving, kind, interesting, fun, funny, hard-working, and beautiful in every way... except one. This may be a duel-diagnosis thing, because she was a light-switch drinker... and at first I just thought she was a bad drunk who processed alcohol differently than most... but after 6 years of marriage, I think that her alcoholism, and subsequent meltdowns of alcoholic psychosis (while definitely a problem), was a mask for something larger. We are now in divorce proceedings, and I love the girl I married, but talking to her is an Abbott and Costello routine... she has loosening of associations, and confuses actual events with things she heard about.

Jeremiah
September, 23 2019 at 5:04 am

I know exactly how u feel. I love my girl wholeheartedly but that doesn't always come easy. Some things happened with her and my best friend when a new alter came out and no one knew. Unfortunately I caught her messaging and found out that way. But we are so strong now. A had to realize that it wasn't my girl who did that. It was the alter, and we grew a lot. Try to be strong, it's not easy maki g it work.

D33f
October, 1 2019 at 4:05 pm

Glad you sorted it out. The same happened to me, but eventually it happened three times. After 14 years together I now have the feeling that I can't take it anymore. Don't know how to fix the broken trust anymore.

d33f
October, 1 2019 at 4:07 pm

Hi Ashley,
I'm glad to tell you my experience. I have been together with my wife for 14 years now and we have two kids (twins 4 yo). Last week she betrayed me for the third time so I definitely know what you must be going through. Please be free to send me an email deef85@hotmail.com take care!

jen
December, 23 2019 at 9:11 am

hi ashley! know this is months late but im involved with someone who has did and this is something im struggling with right now. are you still with this person?

cisco
January, 16 2020 at 4:58 am

ashley, i am somwhat currently in a relationship with someone where i have yet to be physically cheated on but my partner sends texts back and forth with multiple men, sending and receiving nude photos and videos.. its extremely hurtful and nebody knows that she is DID. after her second suicidal attempt i noticed that in her journal / everyday notebook, there was a difference in her hand writing. they diognosed her at the hospital with bipolar. i knew something was not right with the diognosis as i have worked in the behavior field for many years. this was a recent suicide attempt and she is still in the hospital and being released in 2 days. i asked her if she knew anything about disassociation disorders and she did not. i explained to her that i may know the reason why she never remembers messaging these guys nasty provocative messages. i told her to tell the therepist she talks to in the hospital what i think and gave her more info on why ithought of this and how my thoughts lead to believing she is DID. itturns out that same day (yesterday) she was diognosed with disaccociative disorder. i was right. and i had labeled her as either a lier or knew she had some sort of ashisia relating to a disorder. i am both releaved that she truly didnt remember these concersations and did not mean to hurt me. as the same time i am hurt regardless. i am the only person here for her. her only friend. her family shames her and her kids have disoned her and wont talk to her. she is 46 and i am 30. i broke up with her after the first suicide attempt. and then realized that she has no place to go.. but on the streets. nobody that remotly understands her, it amazes me how she got this far with the issuses that she has and how alone and unsuported she is. she is activly seeking medical help and trying to get better only because of me as i am the only person that has let her into my home and has helped her get a job and is there for her. if i leave... i fear she will attempt to take her own life yet again. i feel trapped and yet i want to help her. i just wish somone els knew her like i do and wish she had a friend. not just anyone but someone who understands her as i do. that way the burden is not all on me. i hope that through therepy and the fact that i am knowlegeble in behavior health that we can have a relationship. but idk. its hard and i can relate to you although there is no physical abuse, there is mental abuse. i hope to hear a response of your situation as well and how you cope.

Jenny M
March, 29 2020 at 1:37 pm

Yep it rings alot of bells. I have a friend who is impossible because he has comorbid disorders. One of his alters is a protector that believes he is famous and I'm not good enough for him. Imagine my confusion after his core personality told me once that I was the one! I wind up believing wholeheartedly like a stupid, then waiting around for nothing. he is aware he needs help and has been to rehab, but somehow he prefers this delusional life. I know it is more than Peter Pan syndrome when other persecutor alters come out. one is a cruel sadistic mean and paranoid drunk! I can't see what this polar opposite has to do with the shy sensitive man who is good in intimate settings, soft, relaxed loves to cook, tell stories and go for long walks together, buys me flowers and remembers my favorite chocolates. It is a beautiful nightmare!! Like going with doctor jekyll and Mr. Hyde! I suggest do not invest anymore in the relationship. Find someone your age. I know how bad you feel. At one point I believed he could get better because I wanted to believe it. I got along with jekyll famously and couldn't imagine my life without him. It's just to much for me to get jerked around like that and then watch him abuse others as well.. I have personally witnessed his behaviour causing two grown men to cry as well as his ex girlfriend. Unless he gets therapy I don't want to be next in line. It's not worth the effort!! The behaviour is immature and irresponsible and will only make you more miserable. Just run ?

Joey Young
April, 10 2022 at 7:37 pm

Hi my name's Joey Young, I'm also in a relationship with a woman who I know has some sort of personality conflict. She literally has no other person on Earth to house feed or look after her best interest as she's literally incapable of well life if that makes sense. She has the most profound and dilusional ideas of how things in life are. Recently I've installed camera's and now have vídéo and audio of her and other men having sex talking beit in other voice's usually but she claims it isn't her? I'm gone it's her hére alone. Can her true self really believe thís? It's ongoing. Please tell me íf I'm just being lied to or if she really needs help. Thànks

Crystal hansana
June, 13 2022 at 8:54 am

I am right there with you. Currently in a relationship with someone with DID. It has been an extremely manipulative relationship and I had to shed so much tears. I’m still confused as to what to do. We have kids together. 3 beautiful little girls. Some days I just want to run and not look back. He is extremely codependent on me. His alters have been silent for the last few months but the one I had kids with is now dormant. So this alter that has been in love with me hasn’t shown face for 7 years and keeps pushing that on me like it’s my fault. Everything to him is new and I’ve changed over the last 7 years. It’s starting to really break me apart and I’m at loss as to what to do. He hasn’t told anyone else besides his therapist about his DID. I’m the only one. I’m feeling suffocated. This website was referred to me by my therapist. It says we have a choice. That we don’t have to stay with our partner. But just like you. Im the only one he depends on. If I leave that’ll break him even more. But im starting to loose my mind along side with him. His other alters abused me mentality. And to be quite frank. There’s been a lot of trama from that. Yet this alter that has been out lately wants me to try to forget the past. 10 years of mental abuse is hard. And to flip the switch and shower me with love and compassion. It isn’t easy. I wish it was. But seeing the same face that caused me trama is hard.

Anjali Malloch
February, 2 2020 at 10:33 pm

Hi Ashley, I have experienced this situation, sadly, several times. And I get yelled at and angry outbursts directed at me for questioning, for crying and I have been really triggered into rage, (mostly verbally, I haven't been physically violent in decades, but I do break things - usually Glass :( You are most welcome to get in touch with me, angeliris@protonmail.com Namaste Anjali M

Tammy
January, 8 2022 at 8:49 am

I’m just starting to see a guy with DID. One day it’s all about how much he likes me and wants to date and then he goes ghost for days and then he tells me he is trying to protect me, then tells me to leave him alone but when I do I get a text in the middle of the night telling me to leave him alone and let him die in piece. The final text was I’m not in a good head space leave me alone I don’t want you caught in the cross fire. What am I supposed to take from this?

Candi
April, 12 2020 at 8:27 pm

Hi, I am in a relationship for 5 years with someone who has DID. As far as I know he hasnt been diagnosed with it but he has mental issues and sees a therapist regularly. I dont know what his diagnosis is. When Ive asked him he flat denies that he has DID but some of them do have different names. And some don't like me. He has emotionally abused me plus he does try to physically hurt me when some are present. Is it really possible that he doesn't know he does these things? And am I in danger from one or more of his personalities? Sometimes he is so charming and sweet and Sincere and I know he means it at the time. But then he will change and say and do creepy or hurtful things. I care about him but I cannot handle the constant wondering if I am safe here.

Ruby
February, 14 2021 at 7:57 am

I believe that for the past 3 years that’s what I experienced. It’s broken me and driven me to the verge of becoming extremely depressed and thinking suicide . Not understanding what and why things were happening.

Rowan
December, 28 2021 at 12:39 pm

Hey I don't know if you'll even dealing with this still but I feel so alone myself too... Add me on anything. Snap: rowanramsey2019 Discord: R3CON#0930 Insta: rowan_parkour Email: supercellalt1@gmail.com

Angelika
July, 16 2022 at 1:22 am

You can msg me anytime I’m currently dating someone with D.I.D & lastnighr was the worst, I love him and I want to be with him and help him through this to make things not blow up so much. But idk I’m just starting my research I’ve noticed 3/4 different people

GerrieJune
July, 13 2019 at 9:43 am

I can relate. I have been married 41 years and my husband presented with DID about 18 months ago. Ironically, I am also a retired psychologist who has worked with multiples. My husband is seeing a therapist, and I am seeing a therapist. I realize I cannot do this alone and need some support. I would like very much to share experiences and support one another.

Emily
February, 16 2020 at 10:52 am

I feel the need to talk to you. My boyfriend has DID and his female altar is trying to take him over. He refuses help as well. She has been taking over almost full time for the last month.

Madison
August, 18 2019 at 2:09 am

Hi, I'm apart of a system, I'm not diagnosed with DID but I most definitely have symptoms, I am 16, and am only really hearing bad stories. Should our system just not date?

Bailey
June, 12 2021 at 8:43 pm

Hey! I know this is late, but I'm currently dating someone with DID. It hasn't affected our relationship and I love them more then anything. I know you've been hearing bad stories but you will find someone. (For context, I am not a system and we figured out they had DID about four months into the relationship when another alter fronted for the first time.) And the question about whether your system should date is entirely up to you guys. Good luck <3

Camila
September, 20 2019 at 2:56 pm

For those of you who are struggling with D.I.D or know someone who is struggling with D.I.D, there is an amazing YouTube channel called DissociaDID dedicated for this disorder.
My partner was diagnosed with DID a few years ago and while it has been hard for both of us, this channel has really changed our life. It's an educational channel run by an individual with D.I.D. A lot of the questions that I had and a lot of questions that you have in this forum is answered in these videos. The channel also focuses on helpful tips for those struggling with DID.
If you have a chance, I would recommend checking this page out (and no, this is not sponsored). I'm just an individual who has experienced the pain and hardship that comes with D.I.D and want to do my part in helping those who are going through the same thing.
This is the link to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6kFD5xIFvWyLlytv5pTR1w

Simon
October, 18 2019 at 6:57 am

Well i tried educating myself but by the time i did she had already shifted to another personality and broke up with me. "mental stalker" was the noun she gave me when i tried explaining it.

Rob
March, 14 2021 at 10:12 pm

These DID beings need lots of hugs, kiss them on there forehead and say love thee.
Times will be hard but one will feel the love, threw there food threw there what ever.
Be open mind. One will see the light.
We make the bed while other sleeps, more time for hugs. They need lots of hugs. Her and I have been together 8k hours minus 1.5 months do to hospital visist. Since February 22, 2020.- March 14, 2021. When one sees pearls of tears go down face, it’s real. I don’t know ASL, (SM). one will go the distance. She is undiagnosed. Diagnosed with schizophrenia which one sees is not true.
One loves quotes. We write each other quotes.
The fist quote she wrote is, “everywhere everywhere.”
When the crowns on all the checkers face your end watch out.
Be creative,
Ones first date married , her last date was Avery a guy. My first date is Avery and she is a women. 3k old. Love one Bear Bella Perzel.Avery one is strong. Love one always. Serve thy community serve thy state serve thy country serve thy world. And serve all in the universe for the universe holds the flower together in our hands.
Lots of hugs to all,
Rob

K
July, 29 2021 at 11:47 pm

People with DID, please don't be afraid to have a relationship or get married if you should find a person who really loves you and believes themselves strong enough to be with you.
In 1987 I fell in love with a lady with DID. I met with at least 3 separate personalities I encountered over the following 18 months. Two were loving, kind and very much in love with me.. particularly the primary personality that seemed to be dominant most of the time.. The third was rarely seen.... destructive and dismissive at first, believing I held her back from what she wanted and needed.
One night she came home at 2 AM, cold and stiff. I held her and she started crying, demanding that I punish her , hit her. I held her tight, kissed her and told her that I could never hurt her, I loved her. I said that no matter what had happened that night, no matter what she had done,. it didn't matter, I loved her. And I meant it completely without reservation. I held her tighter and she held onto me tighter,. I felt waves of love from this personality. as she sobbed herself to sleep.
The next morning, the happy loving partner personality seemed completely unaware of the events of the previous night... and I may have made the biggest mistake of my life by not discussing it with her... but she seemed so happy I didn't want to hurt her.
The dismissive personality I believe came to love me after that night, and i watched as she fought to change her destructive ways over the next few months.
Several months later I asked the primary , loving personality to marry me. I saw the joy in her eyes that then shifted to concern and quiet. She hugged me tightly and desperately, we kissed.... but would not answer Yes or No. That was the last night I ever saw her... she disappeared and a friend told me that she said she would never return to me... she felt she was protecting me and she never wants to harm me..
People with DID.... Please know that if you meet someone out there for you, who can love you so strongly and completely ... that says they wanting to marry you, eyes wide open...
Don't run from them... trust that if they say they are strong enough to weather anything that happens, and they love you completely. without reservation....... you and they both deserve the chance at long term happiness.
Only time and trying will tell... do not give into fear of what may happen... find out what does happen.
.

Kaysmom
March, 19 2022 at 12:11 pm

Tysvm. My 27yr old daughter has DID. She is convinced no one can ever love her. Your story has tears on my face. Tragic & extraordinary. 5 personalities at this time And as her mother , I love and care for every single one of them. Every person has free person has every aspect of a different personality a different style a whole different person and every 1 of them are loved by me. Some of them do not accept it sometimes sometimes but I always say that if you are inhabiting the bodies that I gave birth to by default you become my child lol sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. It's so scary because I just had to bring her across the United States out of an abusive relationship where where her So was about was abusing her six-year-old altar . And I can't stand it I can't Believe how sick people can be and now I know I'm having a hard time I just want to keep her forever so she is safe. People with this illnessPeople with this illnessAre we more likely to be abused and being taken advantage of. But you know what? I wouldn't change her for the world bro I would only make it more workable for workable for her and safe. As a loving mother,I feel like I just keep failing at keeping her safe. So I just keep loving her and do everything I can to help and to understand and to learn. Thanks

Rockeli
January, 24 2022 at 7:59 pm

I think I may be married to someone with some form of DID. I know he experienced trauma as a kid but I’m not sure the specifics. I always thought he was so inconsistent- one day he would like something and the next he wouldnt. It always left me confused and walking on egg shells. I started to see a therapist and she asked me if he had been diagnosed with DID or a personality disorder. After I read about it DID, I’m still not sure. He’s been stressed with work lately and the blank stares are becoming more frequent. I also find that I’m having to repeat myself more and more lately. I’ll tell him a story only to find that he can’t remember me telling him. At first I thought he was trying to gaslight me and was trying to make me go crazy but he wasnt. He really couldnt recall what he even did on that day. Sometimes he wears glasses and sometimes he says he doesnt need them. It’s a bit confusing and hard to understand. Especially when he doesn’t and will not talk to me about what he’s going through. I don’t know how to ask him or talk to him about it.

Cass
February, 10 2022 at 2:37 pm

I think making a plan with your therapist on how to bring it up is a good idea.

Robert Matthias
January, 25 2022 at 6:07 am

i am still suffering distress after witnessing the 4 yrs 8 months abuse of my client online i being alerted 5 times by child alter 2yr old Bethie following her persecutor alter removing me for fear i would reveal her seeking revictimization . It has destroyed my life ruined my daughters wedding and graduation . The only plus is that her abuser did a Jeffrey Epstein and tributes and condolences to family of a man that ruin my life threats from police and social services deleting evidence

Kat
July, 18 2022 at 4:42 pm

I hope this is still active. I stumbled upon this page. I have been hoping, searching, pleading for support from people who actually understand what I go through. I have been with my wife for 12 yrs. When we met she told me she had DID. I knew what it was... but didn't understand... not really... what that would mean for me. My wife has over 20 personalities. Most are nice and just fine to deal with. But there are a few that are very emotionally abusive. I often feel like I am going crazy. I have not been happy for a long time. It is so hard for me. If anyone I k eq told me that they were going through what I was I would tell them to leave. I have been very close a few times . But have always been pulled back in. Because I truly do love her. And I know she, the primary personality, loves me too. And I just have a hard time throwing that love and 12 yrs away. But I just don't k ow what I am supposed to do.... am I supposed to stay and just endure.... or do I leave and break both our hearts.

Jen
August, 2 2022 at 8:46 am

Your situation sounds a lot like mine. It's hard to find support, but reassuring to know we're not alone. Please feel free to reach out to me. I would love to share our stories and . My email is gerbitz@yahoo.com.
Jen

Jamie
August, 17 2022 at 5:11 pm

Have any of you had to come to terms with your spouse as the host loving you but the alter wants someone else. I think the alter possibility started last year but my wife has had a DDLG affair for the past 5 years and now they've learnt about DID is saying there convinced its that. I feel so hopeless and I adore my wife but I'm struggling with this so much

Jessica
October, 3 2022 at 10:52 am

I am so sorry.
I wish I had something helpful to say, but my husband (who has DID) believes he is bi.
He's attracted to men and has acted on his impulses, "to scratch the itch."
Sometimes I am enough, but sometimes I'm not.
It's so hard not to feel inadequate.

Alan
December, 11 2022 at 3:27 am

I too have a female alter who what’s to have a man and I’ve never let her have her way and I never will I’ve always been straight but the female alter hijacks me when I’m having sex with my girlfriend and when that happens she says I seem distant but that keeps me in a relationship… it’s hard but since I’m already suffering I will fight through it for her and not give in to what she wants… it’s just terrible though but that what I’ve been dealt with and still find happiness

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