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Emotional abuse in a dating relationship is just as damaging as physical abuse, yet it often goes unrecognized.
This is because it’s a subtle manipulation of power and control that can chip away at your self-esteem and leave you feeling isolated and confused.
Recognizing emotional abuse can be challenging because it doesn’t manifest in visible physical traces or injuries, unlike its more overt counterpart, physical abuse.
Signs of Emotional Abuse
I. Verbal and Emotional Manipulation
Constant criticism and belittlement: Your partner makes you feel like you’re never good enough, no matter what you do. They may call you names, insult your appearance, or make you feel stupid.
Threats and intimidation: Your partner tries to control you through fear, making threats of violence, emotional abandonment, or even self-harm if you don’t do what they want.
Gaslighting: Your partner denies or twists reality to make you question your own memory and perception. They may tell you that things never happened or that you’re overreacting.
II. Controlling Behavior
Extreme jealousy and possessiveness: Your partner gets jealous of anyone you spend time with, even friends and family. They may even try to isolate you from your loved ones.
Monitoring and tracking: Your partner keeps tabs on your every move, checking your phone and social media, or even using GPS trackers to monitor your location.
Financial control: Your partner takes control of your finances, making you account for every penny you spend or refusing to contribute to shared expenses.
Impact of Emotional Abuse on Your Wellbeing
Walking on eggshells: You feel like you have to be careful about what you say or do to avoid upsetting your partner. You live in constant fear of their anger or disapproval.
Loss of self-esteem: You start to believe the negative things your partner says about you and feel worthless and insecure.
Anxiety and depression: The constant stress and emotional manipulation can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
Image credit: freepik
Please Note
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to seek help. Keep a record of the abusive behavior, including dates, times, and what happened, to aid you in taking legal action.
Additionally, confide in someone you can trust, be it a friend, family member, therapist, or counselor. They can help you gain perspective and develop a safety plan.
Or alternatively, you can reach out to any of these bodies to lodge your complaints and be attended to as fast as possible.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
- The National Healthy Marriage Resource Center: https://www.healthymarriageinfo.org/
- The National Network to End Domestic Violence: https://nnedv.org/
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
In Conclusion,
You deserve to be in a healthy and respectful relationship. True love doesn’t hurt; it is kind, understanding, and healing.
Therefore, don’t allow anybody to treat you as if you don’t matter, because you do! You are an important element in the universe, and you deserve to be happy.
Reach out for help if you need it. Prioritize your emotional and physical health, and consider seeking support groups or therapy to help you process your experiences and rebuild your self-esteem.
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