Falling in Love with a Con Man - How did it Happen?

It’s not something you plan for.

Falling in love with a con man was never on my to do list.

When I first found out that the man I was planning to marry was not who he said he was my initial reaction was shock.

What’s interesting is that the shock was very brief because deep down inside I knew something was wrong. I knew it.

This is a common feeling I often hear from other women. Even in the midst of the deepest denial a woman's intuition is strong.

In a way it was a relief, it meant that I wasn’t crazy after all.

That’s what a really good con man will get you to believe; your doubts, your suspicions, it’s all in your mind – you are the one with the problem.

After the mix of shock and relief that the craziness was finally over I was struck by a question that would plague me for a quite a while.

How could this have happened to someone like me?

I am a smart and successful woman; and I was taken for a ride, it didn’t make any sense to me.

After time and some good therapy I realized that it didn’t really matter why it happened, what was most important is that I got out of it and learned great lessons in life and love because of it.

However, since I am a very analytical person I did eventually get to the bottom of why it happened.

It had to do with some family issues I was going through at the time which had me in a vulnerable state.

The other part of the equation is that this was a very intelligent man, borderline genius although with some serious character flaws, such as pathological lying.

Con Men - What you Need to Know

1. Listen to your friends and family

If those closest to you are weary of your love there is often reason for concern.

My con man was very crafty at turning me against my family and friends. He was trying to isolate me and it was effective.

2. Meet his friends and family

My con man had a very convenient story. His family was in a country far away his friends were all married and had busy lives.

Looking back it was another warning sign when there was no one to vouch for the character or credibility of my lover.

3. Ask for help

When you are having doubt or suspicions or wondering how to leave ask for help.

I had to ask my landlord for some help when I was trying to get him out of the apartment.

It wasn't pleasant but I had to do it.

Do what you have to. Falling in love with a con man and other con stories