RT
In most cases, emotional abuse can be harder to recognize or detect. It is a lot more confusing for the victims involved as the behavior shown by the controlling partner can be perceived as merely ‘caring’ and a sign of all-consuming love.
Unlike physical abuse, the scars caused by emotional abuse may not be visible but its effect can be detrimental and may have long lasting effects on the victim.
Emotional abuse is when one of the couple uses power and control to manipulate the other individual. Insulting, belittling, criticizing, lying, name-calling, gaslighting, intimidating and threatening are some of the characteristics of an emotionally abusive relationship.
Individuals who fall prey to an emotionally abusive partner will have low self-esteem and usually experiences anxiety, depression, insomnia and can even lead to substance dependence and abuse.
Signs of an Emotionally Abusive Relationship You Should Pay Attention To
Do you feel like you are trapped in an emotionally abusive relationship? Here are the eight signs that you are in an unhealthy relationship and it’s time you walk away:
Your partner keeps you away from your family and friends.
A controlling partner gets jealous and at the same time scared other people may influence you, so they do what they can to isolate you from your circle.
Often they may make you feel guilty because you’re spending time with other people when you should be spending time together.
Arguments tend to quickly escalate.
Your partner tends to magnify things that even ordinary arguments can end up in heated conversations and heightened emotions.
Your partner always puts you down and makes you feel small.
As they are driven by their intention to have power and control in the relationship, for a controlling partner everything you do is not enough and your achievements won’t matter.
You never get to do the things that you want to do.
Does your partner always check on you about your whereabouts, what you wear, how you spend your free time and who you’re with to the point that it somehow becomes choking?
You go out of your way and walk on eggshells to please your partner.
You do everything just to make sure your partner is not disappointed or to make them happy that you are losing yourself in the process.
Your partner’s presence makes you nervous.
You suddenly develop any form of fear when your partner is around.
This is usually the result of constantly hearing threats, yelling and name-calling as abusive partners would always go their way to manipulate and dominate the relationship.
One minute your partner is loving, the next thing you know he or she becomes distant or mad at you for seemingly no reason.
He or she yells and curses at you and then later on tries to be romantic and begs your forgiveness.
The point is a relationship defined by endless pattern of arguments and apologies is a sign of a toxic relationship.
You are starting to doubt yourself and feel worthless.
This can be alarming as it shows your partner has successfully manipulated and controlled you.
Always remember that you are worth so much more and you deserve a loving and healthy relationship.
