Most of us don’t understand what emotional abuse entails. Many go through emotionally abusive relationships without even realising it. Here are 5 things to watch out for:
1. Treading on eggshells
If you realise that you’re always scared of your partner’s reaction that’s a big red flag. A relationship should be all about talking and sharing your inner most feelings and thoughts and if you’re just too scared of his/her reaction or judgement then maybe things aren’t as rosy as they are in your head.
2. Personal opinions often leading to fights and arguments
Everyone has their own individual opinion and if expressing yours gets you into trouble or is likely to do so, more often than not then that’s a sign. If your partner does this and soon you yourself just being quite, keeping your opinions to yourself then you my friend are being emotionally abused.
3. Emotional blackmail
Emotional blackmail is one of the most obvious signs of emotional abuse. Some would say they are synonymous. A partner who emotionally blackmails you to get what he/ she wants, often with no regard to your thoughts and feelings is just abusing you. They get what they want and you’re just left with feelings of defeat, frustration and being cornered.
4. You’re always wrong
Does your partner always manage to shift the blame of anything and everything to you? Are all fights because of you? Are you always portrayed as the bad guy not only amongst yourselves but others? If yes, then that’s emotional abuse.
5. You feel like you’re not enough
Do you feel like nothing you do or say is enough? It may start of as always being portrayed as wrong but when it goes a step further, it affects your psyche. You begin to think you’re the problem. That’s the worse thing that could happen.
Emotional abuse may be subtle or obvious. When its subtle you may not realise what’s happening, but when it’s obvious not only you but people around will notice it. The quicker to break this cycle of emotional abuse, the happier you will be.
Editors note: Leaving an abusive relationship is not always easy. Here are some resources to help:
The National Domestic Hotline: 1899-799-7233
Just because they don’t hit you doesn’t mean they aren’t abusive. If you need help getting away from an abusive partner, call (800) 799-SAFE.
The National Teen Abuse Hotline: This site is a 24 hour resource that utilizes telephone and web-based interactive technology to reach teens and young adults experiencing dating abuse. The Helpline numbers are: (866) 331-9474 and TTY (866) 331-8453. The peer to peer online individual chat function is available from 4 p.m. to midnight and can be accessed from the website.
