Am I in a Psychologically Abusive Relationship?

Abuse can take many forms; many of us may be enduring hidden abuses from loved ones.

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We tend to recognize how psychological abuse in a relationship can be insidious and damaging. Yet, it is often easier to give clear-headed advice for friends or clients than it is to make clear-headed decisions regarding one’s own love life.

There are generally common signs that characterize psychological abuse in a relationship, including emotional manipulation, control, verbal abuse, neglect and withholding, intimidation and coercion, excessive jealousy and possessiveness, emotional dependence, and inconsistent behavior.

Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash

Emotionally manipulative behaviors include gaslighting, shifting the blame, and playing the victim. Remember, in a healthy relationship, both people maintain accountability, strong and transparent lines of communication, and refrain from barraging one’s partner with offloading their emotional baggage.

While romantic relationships are often fairly characterized by passion, it is important to recognize when lines and boundaries are overstepped. Emotional manipulation may be insidious and difficult to pinpoint. One can…