Emotional abuse is more common than you think. There are people who are hopelessly stuck in toxic relationships that last for years.
People who aren’t even aware of the severity of the situation. People who got used to justifying their partner’s harmful behavior. People who force themselves to believe that “It’s just the way he/she is”.
But, when the cup starts overflowing, the danger escalating, and the fear intensifying, it is suddenly clear that you’re no longer where you thought you were.
Not only you are aware that your relationship has taken a wrong turn, but you also start to realize that, unfortunately, you might be a victim of an abusive relationship.
Ask yourself if your partner behaves like this:
1. TAKES AWAY FREEDOM TO DO OR BEHAVE AS YOU PLEASE
You may not notice it because at first might be subtle, but manipulators will do anything to deprive you of your freedom and basic human rights. They’ll start by jealously asking you who was the person who drove you home from work, and then step by step they’ll suddenly forbid you to talk to anyone but themselves.
2. CRITICIZES YOU
When you reach a point in your relationship where your partner starts acting rude, disrespectful and condescending towards yourself, it’s essential to stop and ask yourself, “Is this the person I thought he/she was?”. More importantly, “Is this the person I really want to be with?”
If you feel that you’re slowly losing your identity and you start to second-guess your decisions because of what your partner might say, it’s clear. You are their victim.
3. HAS UNPREDICTABLE AND VOLATILE MOOD SWINGS
Abusers are known to be extremely impulsive and unpredictable. They may use their kind words and charming appeal to entice you, but once they dig their claws into your skin, it’s over.
If you’re feeling like you’re constantly walking on eggshells around them, there might be a good reason for it. Figure it out.
4. BLAMES YOU FOR THEIR ANGER
Is your partner constantly blaming you for their anger?
Don’t be surprised, abusers never take responsibility for their actions. What’s even sadder, they don’t believe that it’s their own fault. In their world, they are constantly stressed out, annoyed, frustrated and it’s everyone else’s fault they are behaving abusively.
5. RESTRICTS YOUR ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY
The desperate need for power and control will make them use all sorts of methods to entrap you. One of them is restricting your access to your finances. That way, they seize all your resources and they gain absolute control of your life. This is not a subtle sign. If you by any chance happen to experience this level of abusing, it’s code red. Try to find a way to save yourself before they shut you off completely.
6. USES SILENT TREATMENT TO CONTROL YOU
The “silent treatment” is just another one of their wicked methods for manipulating. You are being ignored, not knowing what they think, want, feel or what they are about to do next. If this sounds familiar, don’t hesitate to leave.
7. PROMISES TO CHANGE BUT NEVER DOES
Don’t let their promises trick you. A person who is cruel enough to blame you for everything, take away your freedom and manipulate your mind into oblivion is not a person who is likely to change.
These people have a clear intention. Ultimate power and control over people excite them. They are always playing their way, even when they promise they’re going to change.
8. GASLIGHTS YOU
Last but never least, gaslighting is one of their best manipulative techniques abusers use to drive their victims crazy. It is a form of psychological mind game that forces you to doubt yourself and question your sanity, memory or perception. Beware. Even though it sounds impossible, it’s a truly dangerous method that has the power to obliviate the victim’s sanity.
