I completely agree, this is part of the sickness where you either focus on everything good or everything bad. My ex did the exact same thing to me and at the time, I thought she was a complete monster. But that's not really true or fair. She thought those things in the moment when trying to feel good about herself...and that's what your husband is doing as well. Instead of facing reality, he's creating his own version of events about you in order to keep any responsibility from falling on him.
In other words, that's what children do. Your husband thinks like a child.
As far as you reading the diary, at least you know for certain that the relationship is over. While he hasn't been against you for 12 years like he said, it shows his current mindset and it would take years for that to reverse. Again, I was in the exact same position and I was in shock when my ex suddenly flipped from white to black overnight. How could it be true? How could she think that way? It's mental illness though and we're not supposed to truly understand it.
Just remember that his opinion of you is not what defines you. He's sick and being childish. And truthfully, he probably wanted you to find the diary because he's sick and childish. Do not focus on this stuff because they're lies within his own mind. When I went through it, the thoughts tore me up inside for months before I accepted the reality of what was really happening.
Hi Pook,
Thank you. You have been a great support these months. I struggle with the idea that he can twist reality up to this point.
I know he is trying to persuade our common friends here that his version is the right one; I hope I will not lose my support network. There has been so much damage, and it seems like he is thriving on my precarious living situation. This is also nothing new, though, as I found myself in a similar situation twice before we knew he had BPD with NPD traits. I thought the diagnosis would be enough to keep him aware of the consequences of his actions. I was wrong.
I don't think he left the diary there on purpose. It was hidden, although I had to move a lot of stuff to make sure I would take everything out of the apartment. Anyway, as you said, I know for certain it is over. He still has not filed for divorce, which gives me time to ask for advice on how to proceed. I think I will have to do it.