No one wants to believe that the relationship they are in has turned abusive, but such is the case for the one in four women who will suffer some type of domestic abuse in her life, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Emotional abuse injures the heart and mind, and leaves scars and bruises that aren't healed easily, and are difficult to detect. If your relationship has become increasingly toxic--whether you're a man or a woman--look for the signs of emotional abuse to analyze the relationship and get help if necessary.
Control
Control is a way to make sure that your actions are exactly what your abuser dictates, notes HelpGuide.org. Control can occur in a number of ways, one of which is economic. An emotionally abusive partner may watch your bank accounts, give you a tight allowance or make you account for every dollar spent. He may inhibit your ability to get a job, or make you work a job you dislike for money. He may monitor your behavior and social life, and make you feel scared when you don't do the things that he wants.
Isolation
Isolation is another form of control levied against you when you're a victim of emotional abuse, according to the Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness. Your abuser may want to keep you all for herself, so she limits your time with friends and family. At first, this can seem flattering; it's as if she loves you so much she can't bear to share you. But she is really looking to keep you away from others as a way to control your actions. She might even use time with your friends and family as a reward system for "good" behavior.
Humiliation
A partner who uses put-downs, racial slurs and insults to make you feel badly about yourself is using humiliation as a way to abuse you emotionally, notes KidsHealth.org, a division of the Nemours Foundation. He attacks your self-esteem because he fears that you'll one day leave and wants you to think you aren't worth any more than the treatment he gives you. Humiliation can make you feel fearful, cause low self-esteem and make you feel unworthy, all while he tells you that he loves and needs you.
Invalidation
As you begin to recognize the signs of an emotionally abusive relationship, your abuser may invalidate your concerns and make you feel silly for suspecting the abuse. He may tell you he loves you, and just loses his temper sometimes, or tell you no one would believe you. He makes you feel as if your concerns are unfounded, so you are less likely to look for help and support. He might tell you that you hurt him, or that you're too sensitive so you feel badly about suspecting the abuse at all, warns Brigham Young University.
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