{"id":32521,"date":"2020-12-14T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-14T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/?p=32521"},"modified":"2021-12-12T21:19:36","modified_gmt":"2021-12-13T02:19:36","slug":"signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Warning Signs of An Emotionally Abusive Relationship"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship\/#What_Is_Emotional_Abuse\" title=\"What Is Emotional Abuse?\">What Is Emotional Abuse?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship\/#Warning_Signs_of_An_Emotionally_Abusive_Relationship\" title=\"Warning Signs of An Emotionally Abusive Relationship\">Warning Signs of An Emotionally Abusive Relationship<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship\/#Controlling_Behaviors\" title=\"Controlling Behaviors&nbsp;\">Controlling Behaviors&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship\/#Criticism\" title=\"Criticism\">Criticism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship\/#Isolation\" title=\"Isolation&nbsp;\">Isolation&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship\/#Gaslighting\" title=\"Gaslighting\">Gaslighting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship\/#Jealousy\" title=\"Jealousy\">Jealousy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship\/#Stonewalling\" title=\"Stonewalling\">Stonewalling<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship\/#Walking_on_eggshells\" title=\"Walking on eggshells&nbsp;\">Walking on eggshells&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship\/#References\" title=\"References\">References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Emotionally abusive relationships are shockingly common. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3876290\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Research conducted in 2013<\/a> on 250 men and women found that emotional abuse was a factor in 80% of their relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you ever been in an emotionally abusive relationship? Do you think you\u2019re in one now? Would you even know it if you were? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes the <strong>warning signs of an emotionally abusive relationship<\/strong> are hard to spot. So we&#8217;re going to talk about what <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"narcissistic-abuse\" title=\"emotional abuse\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">emotional abuse<\/a> is, how to spot it, and what you can do to get help.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship-1.jpg\" alt=\"7 Warning Signs of An Emotionally Abusive Relationship\" class=\"wp-image-37526 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship-1.jpg\" alt=\"7 Warning Signs of An Emotionally Abusive Relationship\" class=\"wp-image-37526 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship-1-83x125.jpg 83w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship-1-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship-1-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>7 Warning Signs of An Emotionally Abusive Relationship<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Emotional_Abuse\"><\/span>What Is Emotional Abuse?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply put, emotional abuse is any type of abuse that is not physical in nature.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Emotional abuse is about control. Abusers use the victim\u2019s own emotions to manipulate them. Their weapons include blame, embarrassment, shame, humiliation, threats, and criticism.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While most <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/relationships\" title=\"relationships\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">relationships<\/a> see some aspect of these behaviors, emotional abuse is defined by aggression, consistency, and intentionality. It\u2019s never something you should tolerate or excuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re most likely to see emotional abuse in a romantic relationship, but it can also occur in relationships with friends, family members, and co-workers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes emotional abuse is obvious, but it\u2019s often hard to spot, especially if you don\u2019t know what to look for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the purposes of this post, we\u2019re going to keep the conversation limited to romantic relationships. However, the warning signs we\u2019re going to discuss can manifest in other types of relationships as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"6 Signs Of An Emotionally Abusive Relationship You Shouldnt Ignore | BetterHelp\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8vhx2hlko28?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>6 Signs Of An Emotionally Abusive Relationship You Shouldn&#8217;t Ignore. Courtesy, <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow rel=&quot;sponsored&quot;\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"BetterHelp\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/recommends\/betterhelp\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">BetterHelp<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Warning_Signs_of_An_Emotionally_Abusive_Relationship\"><\/span>Warning Signs of An Emotionally Abusive Relationship<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At the beginning of most romantic relationships, both partners tend to be on their best behavior, treating each other with an abundance of love and kindness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, after the newness wears off, so does the veneer, and you start to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship-in-8-easy-steps\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">see who your partner really is<\/a> \u2013 warts and all.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It might start in little ways at first \u2013 an insult, or jealousy that comes across as endearing at first, or trying to control you under the guise of concern.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s easy to brush off in the beginning, but over time it gets worse and harder to ignore. Now, the relationship that started out as a source of joy fills you with dread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself is to recognize the signs of an abusive relationship as early as possible. If you already know that your relationship is headed in the wrong direction, it may be time to think about leaving or reaching out for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re not sure, but you feel something isn\u2019t quite right, you would be wise to examine your relationship further. Below are seven warning signs of an emotionally abusive relationship to watch out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Controlling_Behaviors\"><\/span>Controlling Behaviors&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Controlling behaviors are the essence of an emotionally abusive relationship. All abuse is about control, so it\u2019s important that you\u2019re able to recognize it when you see it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t confuse controlling behaviors with the occasional insistence on choosing where to go to dinner or what to watch on Netflix. Everyone does stuff like that from time to time. The type of control I\u2019m referring to is pervasive and can extend to even minor things.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there is nothing minor about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Often, abusers seek to control fundamental parts of your life. For example, a controlling partner won\u2019t want you to dress in certain ways, spend time with family or friends, or they\u2019ll want to know where you are at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"8 Things Controlling Personalities Do To Keep You Under Them\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NaEX00K2GVQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>8 Things Controlling Personalities Do To Keep You Under Them. Courtesy, YouTube.<br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Criticism\"><\/span>Criticism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re constantly bombarded with criticism on how you did something wrong or that you\u2019re not good enough, it\u2019s a sign of an abusive relationship.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone has a bad day now and then and may be overly critical of their partner.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, in an abusive relationship, the criticism extends way beyond that: everything the victim does or says is wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, you\u2019ll start to realize that nothing you do is enough. You will start to feel helpless, and it\u2019s easy at that point to get caught in a cycle of trying to please a person who is only interested in controlling you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Isolation\"><\/span>Isolation&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Isolation is another common hallmark of an emotionally abusive relationship. It occurs when abusers try to physically or emotionally distance you from family and friends.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps your partner wants you to move away from your family so you can\u2019t spend as much time with them. Or maybe they discourage you from having friendships or work relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whatever the specific action may be, the abuser\u2019s goal is to be the only person in your life, thereby creating a dependence upon them. This relates to control as well \u2013 if they are all you have, you become much easier to control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gaslighting\"><\/span>Gaslighting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that makes the victim question their own sanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Examples include insisting something is true that you know for a fact is not, or saying that you are overly emotional when there\u2019s a legitimate reason to be upset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The point is to transfer focus from the partner\u2019s actions onto yours. This causes you to doubt yourself and mistrust your own feelings and memory.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A classic example is \u201cI never said that,\u201d when in fact they did.&nbsp; Or if you get upset when your partner insults you, who then scoffs that you have no sense of humor and they were only kidding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gaslighting has a way of eroding self-confidence. You don\u2019t trust your own thoughts or your own judgments. It\u2019s yet another weapon that emotionally abusive people use to control their partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To learn more about Gaslighting, check out the video below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"Gaslighting Abuse - What It Is &amp; How To Handle It | BetterHelp\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1RC1-SPJChk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>Gaslighting Abuse &#8211; What It Is &amp; How To Handle It | <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow rel=&quot;sponsored&quot;\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"BetterHelp\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/recommends\/betterhelp\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">BetterHelp<\/a><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jealousy\"><\/span>Jealousy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s face it &#8211; a little bit of jealousy is healthy in relationships. It\u2019s even a bit flattering.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the jealousy I\u2019m talking about here goes beyond feeling annoyed when you see someone flirting with your partner. The level of jealousy seen in an abusive partner is just flat-out toxic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At first, it may come across as endearing or as proof that \u201che\u2019s just a little overprotective\u201d or that \u201cshe really loves me.\u201d But it never stays that way. As with all other forms of abuse, it will continue to grow in intensity and frequency.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your partner wants passwords to your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-use-facebook\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">social media accounts<\/a> to check up on you, doesn\u2019t want you to spend time with family or friends, or tries to track your movements, this absolutely a sign of emotional abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stonewalling\"><\/span>Stonewalling<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-improve-communication-relationships\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Effective communication<\/a> is the hallmark of any healthy relationship. Conversely, poor communication is a telltale sign of a relationship that has turned toxic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While verbal abuse such as shouting and name calling is easy to spot (and hear), it is often the absence of communication that is the worst form of verbal abuse. One of the best examples of this is called stonewalling. It\u2019s also known as The Silent Treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Does your partner refuse to talk to you when they don\u2019t get their way? If they don\u2019t like something you have done, does their silence last for days or sometimes even weeks?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do they hang up the phone on you, ignore your texts, or otherwise refuse to engage with you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s one thing for a partner to have a \u201ccooling off\u201d period after an argument, or perhaps before one starts. That\u2019s actually healthy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if you notice a pattern where silence is used as a weapon, you may be the victim of stonewalling.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-box ub-styled-box ub-notification-box\" id=\"ub-styled-box-75aa14f0-b460-4035-ab5e-e000a07eccd8\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\" id=\"ub-styled-box-notification-content-\">A licensed therapist on BetterHelp is well-suited to help you with relationship issues, provided there is no violence occurring. <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow rel=&quot;sponsored&quot;\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"BetterHelp Therapist Search\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/recommends\/betterhelp-therapist-search\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Sign up today and get 10% off your membership<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Walking_on_eggshells\"><\/span>Walking on eggshells&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Maybe as you\u2019re heading <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-develop-productive-habits\/\">home after a long day at work<\/a>, you think about the evening ahead. In the past, you\u2019ve looked forward to it, but now, you start to dread the moment you walk in the front door.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Will you see the happy and smiling partner you originally fell in love with? Or will you be confronted with an angry, unkind, sulking person looking for a fight?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pay attention to that feeling in your gut, because it\u2019s important. If you\u2019re constantly nervous about what mood your partner will be in, and you start to plan how to avoid or mitigate the bad moods, you may very well be in an emotionally abusive relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note: This feeling of &#8220;walking on eggshells&#8221; is often associated with people who suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/borderline-personality-disorder\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Check out our article on BPD<\/a> if you&#8217;d like to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/recommends\/betterhelp-therapist-search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored, nofollow noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/C5_BetterHelp_Fem_Divorce_720X396-2.jpg\" alt=\"BetterHelp\" class=\"wp-image-17346 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"330\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/C5_BetterHelp_Fem_Divorce_720X396-2.jpg\" alt=\"BetterHelp\" class=\"wp-image-17346 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/C5_BetterHelp_Fem_Divorce_720X396-2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/C5_BetterHelp_Fem_Divorce_720X396-2-327x180.jpg 327w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><figcaption>New members get 10% off with this link. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/recommends\/betterhelp-therapist-search\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Sign up today (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Sign up today<\/a>!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is by no means a comprehensive list, but these are some of the key indicators you may notice when your relationship begins to take a turn toward abusive territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We all have high hopes for a relationship in the beginning, and most of us want to think the best of our partner. Unfortunately, it doesn\u2019t always work out the way we want it to. It\u2019s very important to be able to recognize the signs of abuse and to know that there is help available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you recognize some or all these signs in your relationship, it may be time to leave.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the very least, it may be time to seek professional help. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-get-results-in-therapy\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">A licensed therapist can help to process the situation<\/a> and help you make sense of what has been happening to you. Please know that if you need help, you are not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re in danger, please call 911 immediately. There\u2019s also help available from the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Call them at 1-800-799-7233 or visit them online at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>thehotline.org<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t be afraid to reach out.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-box ub-styled-box ub-notification-box\" id=\"ub-styled-box-67252cc7-c750-4261-a880-579685247fce\">\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" id=\"ub-styled-box-notification-content-\"><strong>Shop now at Amazon.com<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B08L9NHDBD\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B08L9NHDBD&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=blunttherapy-20&amp;linkId=247b0c31d800edeca5c20fda9f4a90bc\">Sometimes Therapy Is Awkward : A Collection of Life-Changing Insights for the Modern Clinician<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=blunttherapy-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B08L9NHDBD\" alt=\"\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" src=\"\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=blunttherapy-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B08L9NHDBD\" alt=\"\"><\/noscript><\/em><\/li><li><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1939754852\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1939754852&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=blunttherapy-20&amp;linkId=7dda48936f5cccee0e0bff7b94d9f5d5\">Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple: 10 Strategies For Managing Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Panic, And Worry<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=blunttherapy-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1939754852\" alt=\"\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" src=\"\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=blunttherapy-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1939754852\" alt=\"\"><\/noscript><\/em><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3876290\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Emotional abuse in intimate relationships: The role of gender and age<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/identify-and-cope-with-emotional-abuse-4156673\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What Is Emotional Abuse?<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/gaslighting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gaslighting: Signs and Tips for Seeking Help<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/saferseniorcare.com\/types-of-elder-abuse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">7 Forms of Elder Abuse &amp; How to Recognize the Abuse of Seniors<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-540ad93d\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-call-to-action uagb-block-73105e3b wp-block-button\"><div class=\"uagb-cta__wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-cta__title\">Private Practice  with No Overhead and No Shortage of Clients.<br><\/h5><p class=\"uagb-cta__desc\">Join\u00a0the more than 34,000 full and part-time therapists who are earning more with BetterHelp! Supplement your income, or build your own practice from scratch. Bonuses &amp; Incentives for High Performers! <strong>Sponsored Advertisement<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"uagb-cta__buttons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=20&amp;aff_id=1614\" class=\"uagb-cta__button-link-wrapper wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Join BetterHelp<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this post, we discuss the warning signs of an emotionally abusive relationship, how to spot them, and what you can do if you&#8217;re in one.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":32627,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ub_ctt_via":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[797],"tags":[846,140,903,17,52,809],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"modified_by":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship.jpg",800,450,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship-150x84.jpg",150,84,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship-768x432.jpg",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship-400x225.jpg",400,225,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship.jpg",800,450,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship.jpg",800,450,false],"tiny":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship.jpg",60,34,false],"thumbnail-medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-square":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-portrait":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Warning-Signs-of-An-Emotionally-Abusive-Relationship.jpg",720,405,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"uagb_comment_info":2,"uagb_excerpt":"In this post, we discuss the warning signs of an emotionally abusive relationship, how to spot them, and what you can do if you're in one.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32521"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32521"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32521\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32627"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32521"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32521"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32521"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}