Ladies, Watch Out for These 7 Quiet Signs of Emotional Abuse

With a little observation, I've noticed that in any gathering of women, there is usually at least one who recounts experiences and behaviors from her partner that continuously hurt her, without realizing that these are clear signs that she is experiencing emotional abuse in that relationship. So, here are some signs and signals to watch out for that might mean you're going through something like that...

Am I Dealing with Emotional Abuse in My Relationship?

 I don't want to generalize, but I think most of us, if not all, have been through this kind of thing in at least one of our relationships. It varies how much each person goes through, but when you really look at the details, it often feels pretty familiar. You'll see what I mean when I share these signs with you.

1- Are You Constantly Mocked by Your Partner in Public?

One of my close friends used to tell me that what hurt her the most was how her husband made her the source of laughter and jokes at every gathering. He wouldn't tell funny stories or embarrassing moments; instead, he'd poke fun at her weight gain after having kids or tease her about not knowing how to do certain things, even making jokes about how she eats. When she'd get upset, he'd just brush it off with, "I'm just kidding." She said, "His excuse that it was all in jest just made me feel worse. It made me wonder if I was overreacting or if I should just accept his teasing about me and my appearance in front of everyone as harmless." Now it's clear that this is a sign of emotional abuse that either you or someone close to you might have gone through at some point.

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2- Making You Feel Guilty for Enjoying Time Without Him

I've been through that myself at some point. It's a sneaky way of making you feel guilty and blaming yourself for something you shouldn't. For example, if you have a good time with your friends without texting him the whole time, he might start blaming you and making you feel bad for enjoying yourself without him. Experts say it's a subtle tactic to manipulate you into doing what your partner wants without them even asking. They make you feel responsible for their anger and sadness, even though it's not your fault, so you end up doing whatever it takes to make them feel better.

3- Turning Your Words Against You!

I think this happens to a lot of people. Have you ever shared something with your partner, like a problem or a mistake you made, only for them to throw it back in your face later? That's a clear sign of psychological abuse, so watch out for it and don't let yourself become a target.

4- Is Your Partner Constantly Threatening You?

This is a common tactic where many partners use threats to pressure their significant others. For instance, they might say things like, "If you don't do this, I'll break up with you," or "If you don't agree with me, I'll leave." These threats are meant to keep you feeling scared and stressed all the time, making you constantly think about your actions and try to please your partner, even if it means neglecting your own needs, just to avoid their ultimatums.

5- Does Your Partner Criticize Your Thinking and Actions?

Another way they might emotionally abuse you is by constantly doubting your abilities. For instance, do they insist you can't decide on your own because you're not good at it? Or maybe they say you don't understand people well enough, so you always need their guidance? It's a way to make you lose confidence in yourself and your capabilities, feeling like you constantly need them. As a result, it becomes difficult for you to ever consider ending the relationship with them one day.

6- He Doesn't Respect Your Boundaries!

For everyone, there are lines we want our loved ones to respect, and as women, we really value it when our partners honor those boundaries. But what happens when your partner doesn't respect your limits? It doesn't have to be a big deal; it could be something as small as refusing to share your phone password and insisting on knowing it, for example. When your boundaries aren't respected, it's the start of losing your independence and it's also a form of emotional mistreatment.

7- Constantly Blaming You for Relationship Issues

Women also face another type of emotional abuse when they start feeling accused and held responsible for all the relationship problems. Once they voice a concern, their partner jumps to blame them for every issue in the relationship. This constant guilt-tripping makes them feel like they need to make the extra effort to fix what they're told they've messed up. Eventually, they stop complaining and begin to accept this as their reality.

Sure thing! These may not be the only signs that indicate you're experiencing emotional abuse from your partner, but they're often subtle and easily missed as forms of psychological mistreatment. If you recognize one or more of these signs and are unsure of what to do next, it's a good idea to seek guidance from a professional who can help you make informed decisions.

Wishing everyone safety and happiness in healthy relationships..