Emotionally Abusive Relationships - 6 Signs of Emotional Abuse

A healthy relationship promotes and supports growth and fulfillment for both partners in the relationship. Unfortunately, there are many relationships that take on a toxic dimension due to the personal issues of one or both partners. Abusive behavior isn't always so clear cut - while physical abuse might leave marks, emotional abuse leaves scars that are invisible, but no less damaging over time. Here are 6 signs of emotional abuse in a relationship:

1. You are on the receiving end of criticism frequently in your relationship. He or she might be calling you names, or it could be far more subtle, an undermining of the way you do everyday tasks, or a collection of helpful "suggestions" about the right way to do things.

2. When you arrive home at the close of the day, you feel obliged to give an account of your day. This is not a sharing of the ups and downs in a supportive environment, but a controlling demand that you tell all and then face criticism for your choices. You might find yourself choosing to do things you know your partner will approve of, just to avoid the confrontation.

3. Your time with outside friends and family begins to diminish under pressure from your partner. He or she might "guilt" you into forgoing plans with others (I can't believe you would choose time with her over time with me"), or directly prohibit you from seeing certain people.

4. When an educational or job opportunity comes along, your partner is unsupportive or critical of that as well. Anything that potentially makes you more independent is threatening to the abuser.

5. Sex is not the loving, caring expression of affection between two people, but a method of control. Either your partner demands it of you regardless of your feelings or preferences, or it is intentionally withheld along with other affections to keep your vulnerable, rejected, and under his or her control.

6. Life is often experienced with your partner as "walking on eggshells." There is often an implied non-physical threat for not doing what your partner demands. Occasionally, your partner might do something kind and generous for you, but these events are random or a deliberate attempt to pull you back into the relationship if you are showing signs of pulling away.

By the way, what is holding you back from making the best choices to achieve the life you deserve?

For a free copy of my ebook, "Strategies For Escaping Emotional Abuse", click here: http://www.stoptoxicrelationships.com/gifts-strategiesforescapingemotionalabuse.html

Shannon Cook is a personal coach and resource guide who has written a number of informative articles and ebooks on the topic of toxic relationships and "difficult" divorces, including the physical, emotional, practical and relationship components.