Emotional abuse is a silent threat to many relationships. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the most common signs of verbal, mental and emotional abuse. Here are four signs of an emotionally abusive relationship.
Isolation
Often those in emotionally abusive relationships can find themselves feeling isolated from their friends, family, or even the entire outside world. Abusive partners want to control all meaningful connections in your life. This usually results in a feeling of isolation and a loss of contact with your loved ones, because the emotionally abusive partner does not approve of them.
They “Jokingly” Belittle You
While every relationship involves some degree of criticism between partners, in an emotionally abusive relationship, this criticism is taken way too far. Usually, the abusive partner will put-down or mock the abused partner and dismiss their cruel comments as jokes. Maybe they will criticize your spending habits, or how you dress. Or maybe they will belittle everything about you, but when you question them as to why they are hurting you, they blow it off as merely a playful joke – and you are too sensitive. If you are hurt emotionally by their words, even if they are joking, and they don’t seem to care about how you feel, this is emotional abuse.
Fear
Fear is one of the worst ways an emotional abuser controls their victim. Fear can take on many guises when it comes to abuse. It can include a fear of physical harm, a fear that they will break up with you, or even a fear that they will humiliate you in front of your friends and family. Fear is often instilled by abusers use of intimidating language or suggestions – usually as the result of something which threatens their dominance over their abused partner.
Guilt
One of the most powerful tools in the arsenal of the emotional abusive partner is guilt. Does it seem like anytime you get into a fight that the blame is always shifted so that somehow you are made to feel like you are the party in the wrong? Do they always feel like they are being wronged and that there is always someone else to blame for their problems? Often, those in an emotionally abusive relationship fail to notice tell-tale signs such as these, as they rationalize their partner’s anger and blaming as a sign of passion and deep-caring for them.
Couples Therapy to Help You and Your Partner
Now that you know some of the signs of emotional abuse, you can better identify it and hopefully seek help. The good news is that, in many instances, your partner may be unaware of their behavior and genuinely not be seeking to abuse you. In these instances, effective communication can help you defuse relationship problems and establish healthy norms.
If you and your partner feel that a couples counselor could help your relationship flourish by helping the two of you better communicate, don’t wait to find one. Marriage Couples Counseling in New York City is here to assist you and your significant other with any communication issues you two may be facing. Do not hesitate to reach out and seek our help. Call us today at 212-673-4618 for the help you need.
