I feel like I left a cult

[Invisiblewoman]

I was reading over a list of cult characteristics and was instantly reminded of my family.

1. The leader is always right
2. Criticism or questioning the leader is considered persecution
3. Anything the leader does is justified no matter how harmful it may be
4. The leader is the only source of truth, everyone else is lying.
5. Followers must be blindly devoted to the leader and never question him/her.
6. The members won't recognize they're in a cult


In the beginning I wanted to think I was wrong and I needed to apologize and make it up to them. After getting legal information that proved their manipulation and lying, I am eternally grateful for choosing no contact.

After getting that information I am thankful I stuck to my truth.  They were in the process of gaslighting me to the point I felt I had done something wrong. But in reality there was no right or wrong way to criticize them or call them out on their shadiness.

Just wanted to share.

[bloomie]

Invisiblewoman - what a revelation for you! I am thankful you stuck to your truth, too. So hard to do having been raised in an environment that determinedly undermines ones agency and ability to trust oneself.

I'm glad you shared!

[SeaBreeze]

The first time I read a checklist of cult identifiers, I realized it perfectly described my first husband's family. I'm glad you got out and recognize them for what they are!