Problems happen in every relationship; however, there comes a point where problems, arguments and fights turn into abuse. Sometimes it can be hard to recognize when that line is crossed and when you or someone you love is being verbally or emotionally abused. There are some warning signs and symptoms you can look for to tell if you or the person you care about is the victim of verbal or emotional abuse.
Unreasonable Expectations
According to Brigham Young University Women's Services, one of the signs of emotional abuse is when your partner makes unreasonable and unreachable expectations. These are expectations that are intentionally designed to make you fail and feel bad or worse about yourself. This can include constant criticism, requiring constant attention or making frequent demands.
Emotional Blackmail
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, emotional blackmail can be a sign of an emotionally abusive relationship. Actions such as using children or other family members against you, preying on your specific fears or guilt and threatening to abandon you are all examples of emotional blackmail and abuse.
Intimidation
Making threats of physical violence is another symptom that you might be in an abusive relationship. Even though your partner or family member may never actually hurt you, healthy relationships should be free from the mere threat of physical violence. Intimidation can come in the form of threatening with weapons, raising a hand or fist as if to strike you without making contact.
Denial
People who commit emotional abuse often try to rationalize their behavior by telling you they are trying to help or teach a lesson. Patterns of denial are common in abusive relationships, and can include denying that certain events ever took place and refusal to listen to your thoughts and feelings.
Verbal Abuse
Sometimes, in relationships, arguments can get heated and voices can get loud, but verbal abuse goes way beyond a normal argument. There is no solid definition for what constitutes verbal abuse, but according to Patricia Evans, author of the book "Verbal Abuse Survivors Speak Out: On Relationship and Recovery," it is any type of spoken communication that seeks to exert control over another person. This can come in the form of constantly pointing out someone's fears, flaws or weaknesses. The abused are often made to feel guilty for past mistakes and often slip into depression when confronted with verbal abuse, says Evans.
Member Comments