From Polygamy to Personal Power: The Untold Stories of “Sister Wives”

Are there any fans of the TLC’s “Sister Wives” show out there? Or, perhaps, maybe you’ve watched an episode or two? You might be surprised to learn that I’ve been captivated by the show for several years and its 19th season has just started. Why the interest? The concept of polygamy piqued my curiosity — not only because I initially thought it was illegal, but also because it’s so fascinating. What kind of men and women choose this lifestyle, and how do they manage their relationships when even “traditional” marriages are challenging?

“Sister Wives” follows patriarch Kody Brown, who is married to four women — Meri, Christine, Janelle, and Robyn — and is the father to 18 children. Kody has shown traits of narcissism, often deflecting blame and selling grandiose dreams to his wives, expecting their unwavering support. For a deep dive into the subtleties of narcissism, this show is a must-watch. Admittedly, I’ve wondered for years when these wives will wake up and realize there is so much more than being married to this narcissist.

The good news is that in the last couple of years, three wives — Meri, Christine, and Janelle — have left Kody, reducing his household to just Robyn. Instead of delving into the sensational drama, I want to spotlight these courageous women, over the next couple of articles, and their journeys to reclaim their lives after leaving a complex relationship dynamic fraught with challenges.

This article will focus on Meri, Kody’s first wife. Like Meri, I was also married at 19, with the expectation of a lifelong union. Meri initially stood by Kody as he married three more women, but the dynamics shifted drastically with Robyn’s entry, leading to Meri feeling sidelined.

As Kody’s first wife, she was the only one legally married to him until he decided to divorce her to legally marry Robyn — an act that allowed him to adopt Robyn’s children from a previous relationship. This decision was portrayed as a necessity for the family, but it was a painful moment for Meri, reflecting on her many sacrifices over the years. Compounding her challenges was her struggle with fertility, having only one child with Kody after many attempts to expand their family, which added layers of emotional complexity to her experience within this plural marriage.

Meri’s journey took a turn for the worse with her online relationship that ended in a notorious catfishing scandal, leading to even more tension and isolation within her marriage. Kody’s reaction to the incident only deepened the rift between them, highlighting a lack of empathy and support when she needed it most. This scenario underscores the emotional neglect she endured, mirrored by my own difficult conversations and realizations within my marriage that led to severe depression, a suicide attempt, and a critical reassessment of my life choices.

The turning point for Meri came when Kody confessed, he never truly loved her, prompting her to seek a spiritual release from their marriage. Similarly, I faced my own battles within my marriage, leading to an annulment that aligned with my spiritual beliefs.

Today, Meri is thriving, still on the “Sister Wives” show, running a bed and breakfast, and pursuing other ventures. As for me, I’m using my voice to educate and raise awareness on the red flags and subtleties of domestic violence, including gaslighting, and I want to empower women to leave these toxic relationships and build better lives for themselves. It can be done!

Let me know if you are a fan and what you think?

Until next time,

Deborah Griffiths

Website: www.brokentoboldness.com

Email: brokentoboldness7@gmail.com

Note for Photo: TLC’s “Sister Wives” — https://go.tlc.com/shows; Photo credit unknown