EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Imagine always having to give in to what your partner says because he is always emotionally blackmailing you. And after he’s done, he goes on spewing nasty words in an attempt to belittle you and illuminate your innermost insecurities. And that deeply crushes your soul, hearing him say all of those really really hurtful things. That partner is emotionally abusing you. You probably already know many of the signs of emotional abuse. However, when you’re the one being abused or abusing a person, it can be easy not to see the persistent undercurrent of abusive behavior.

Emotional abuse is a way to control someone by using emotions to shame, criticize, blame, embarrass, or manipulate them. You are in an emotionally abusive relationship when there is the constant use of abusive words and bully-like behavior that reduces your self-esteem and undermines your mental health. If you find that you always feel scared or confused when you are with your partner, or you're not sure of yourself when you talk to them, you may be in an emotionally abusive relationship.

People in abusive relationships may feel that there is no way out or they’ll have nothing without their partner. Emotionally abusive people tend to abuse people that are very close to them. While it happens in romantic relationships, it can also happen in other types of relationships such as:

With a parent

With a business partner or close team member

With a caretaker

With a friend that person relies on

Signs That You Are In An Emotionally Abusive Relationship or Are An Emotionally Abusive Person:

CONTROLLING:: Your partner may be too interested in your social life or vice-versa. They may police your daily activities. There is no freedom to make individual choices. Even small comments that challenge a person’s independence are a means of control.

EXCESSIVE DEFENSIVENESS: When you are always trying to defend yourself, there won’t be positive communication between you and the other person. It is essential that you and your partner can talk openly and honestly if you want to resolve issues between you two.

BLAME: People in emotionally abusive relationships often believe they are the cause of their abuse, and they deserve it. This makes the cycle much harder to break. This can be worsened by the shame that many abused people feel for letting the abuse continue.

ISOLATION: Emotional abuse affects all areas of a person’s life, especially the toll it takes on the person’s relationships with friends and family. Emotional abusers often tell their partners that no one cares about them. The other person then feels isolated. They can stop mingling and even stop reaching out to loved ones.

What To Do If You Are In An Emotionally Abusive Relationship?

If you’re in an emotionally abusive relationship, you must seek help. You can talk to a close friend or family member. You can also see a professional therapist that can help you overcome your fears of leaving and regain your independence. This type of relationship often is one of attachment, not love. And always remember that you were made of love, so how can you let anyone convince you that you're unworthy of it?