I felt compelled to write my story. I hope my story will enlighten someone who is struggling in a relationship with someone who shows signs of narcissistic traits. I was married 51 years before I realized I was deceived, manipulated, and controlled by a masked bandit who stole the joys of my life. His joys in life were generated by the pain he imposed on me. I was painfully abused, manipulated, and controlled for decades. My life wasted trying to fill an empty void for the person I absolutely loved with all my being. I did not know he did not possess the emotions needed to sustain a love relationship with me.