People often wonder why victims of emotional abuse stay in their relationships for so long. It’s hurting them to stay and destroying who they are. The truth is, victims often choose to stay simply because they don’t recognize the abusive behavior. They don’t see that something is wrong.
An abusive relationship can be thrown on anyone, at any time. These are 11 hard to spot signs that you’re in an emotionally abusive relationship.
1. You Have to Walk on Eggshells
Being around your partner has you on edge. You’re constantly tiptoeing around anything that could possibly upset or anger them. You can never quite know what might set them off.
2. You’re Always to Blame
Your partner never takes the blame for anything, even when it’s obvious that they’re wrong. If an argument breaks out or an accident happens, it’s your fault.
3. It’s All Give and Take
You try so hard to keep your partner happy. Whenever you can, you do nice things for them or give them thoughtful gifts. On the other hand, they never do nice things for you, despite being more than happy to take from you.
4. Your Friends and Family Don’t Approve
The people closest to you don’t like your significant other. You may believe that they’re wrong or just don’t know your partner as you do. The fact is, your loved ones are only trying to look out for you.
5. Your Partner Withholds Things As Punishment
It could be affection, money, sex, or anything else. Whenever you upset them, they keep something from you and rub it in your face. By doing this they maintain control over you as well as punishing you for your actions.
6. You Barely See Your Friends Anymore
Although you may not think that there’s a reason behind it, you’ve stopped seeing your friends as often. Dealing with the stress of going out while your partner questions your every move it too much to handle.
7. When It’s Good, It’s Great
It’s not all bad. Your partner can often be wonderful to you before quickly returning to a monster. This switch allows them to keep you on your toes, never knowing which face you’ll see that day.
8. You’re Always Belittled
Your partner refuses to acknowledge your accomplishments. They’re never proud of you and only ever tell you what you’re doing wrong. As a result, you feel worthless and ashamed.
9. Your Partner Controls Every Conversation
No matter what the topic, they steer the conversation where they want it to go. They cannot allow you to have any control, even with something so simple.
10. You’ve Changed
You’ve become a timid version of yourself. In recent months, or years, you’ve found that you’ve become quieter and easily upset.
11. Deep Down, You Know Something is Wrong
You can feel that something is wrong in the relationship. Even though you tell yourself “I’m fine,” you know that you’re really not. Listen to what your gut is telling you. If you’re unhappy, then you shouldn’t have to stay.
Being in an emotionally abusive relationship is heart-wrenching, especially when the signs are so subtle. Remove yourself from the relationship as quickly as possible. Surround yourself with friends and family who can help you to rescue the person that you were before.
Share this article with friends and family. Someone you know could be struggling and have no idea.
