So today, I want to talk to you a little bit more about the signs of mental and emotional abuse. This is such an important topic, and there are many different signs you can learn about that will help you understand if you or someone you know might be in an abusive relationship.
Today, I will talk to you more about some of these signs. In addition to jealousy, one of the behaviors an emotionally abusive partner might exhibit is monitoring and controlling who you speak to and when. They may do this by going through your phone, social media, or computer or monitoring who you spend time with and when. There’s a big difference between concern and control, and if someone wants to monitor every aspect of your life, they’re likely more controlling than concerned about you.
Mind games are a common tool used by emotionally abusive individuals. Essentially, they try to make you doubt your own reality. For example, they might say something hurtful or untrue, and when you confront them about it, they’ll deny ever saying it. This tactic keeps you off balance and makes you doubt your own perception of reality. Another term for this behavior is gaslighting. If you’re with someone who is gaslighting you, it’s crucial to get help, set clear boundaries, and decide if this is the type of relationship you want to be in.
If you’re in a long-term relationship with someone who is emotionally abusive, you may find that they exclude you from important family decisions. This tactic puts them in a position of power and leaves you feeling isolated from the important dynamics of the family. It’s a way to control you and prevent you from having an active voice in your own life and choices.
Sharing is caring!
In addition to excluding you from important family decisions, another classic technique of an emotionally abusive person is controlling your access to finances. They might make you give them the money you earn, or if you’re not working, they may give you a small allowance and monitor every financial transaction you make. This is just another form of control to keep you trapped in an unhealthy situation.
Along with control, threats are a common technique used by an abusive individual. They might threaten to leave or divorce you anytime you try to set a boundary, assert yourself, or express displeasure with how they’re treating you. Another strategy abusers use is blaming you for their bad behavior. They might say something mean or do something cruel, and instead of taking responsibility for their actions, they’ll claim that you somehow caused their behavior. This is a subtle but powerful tactic to control another person.
If any of the signs we discussed today resonate with you, or if you recognize yourself or someone else in an emotionally abusive relationship, I strongly encourage you to reach out for help. There are many licensed counselors who can help you determine if you are in an abusive relationship and, if you choose to stay, help you set boundaries. If you choose to leave, they can support you through the emotions and feelings that arise from this difficult decision.
Sharing is caring!
