Although it should be exciting to be in a relationship, it is important to recognize warning signs that could point to abuse in the future. Abuse can be financial, emotional, psychological, or physical, and it frequently begins quietly. Making educated judgments and protecting oneself can be facilitated by identifying early warning indicators. The following are important indicators to look out for:
- Excessive Possessiveness and Jealousy
• Constantly monitoring social media and your phone
• Unfounded accusations of cheating or flirting
• Unhealthy overprotective behavior - Behavior Control
• Dictating your attire, movement and communication
• Making all choices without consulting you
• Using deception or guilt to get you to do things their way. - Quick and Intense Development of Relationships
• Early declarations of love
• Making a hasty commitment
• A desire to spend all of their time with you at the expense of friends and family - Humiliation and Disrespect
• Regularly making fun of you or making fun of you
• Joking at you even when it makes you feel bad
• Publicly humiliating you or undermining your self-esteem - Holding Other People Responsible for Their Issues
• Constantly offering justifications for inappropriate behavior
• Never accepting accountability for their actions
• Blaming their background or outside influences for their treatment of you - Severe Mood Swings and Anger Management Issues
• Overreacting to small issues
• Apologetic outbursts
• Making you feel accountable for their rage - Dangers and Threats
• Using fear to manipulate you
• Threatening others directly or indirectly
• Hitting walls or breaking objects out of rage - Physical Violence
• During arguments, grabbing, pushing, or obstructing
• Playfully pushing or beating someone and upsetting you in the process
• Acting aggressively against people or animals - Being cut off from friends and family
• Discouraging or prohibiting you from seeing them
• Making you feel bad about interacting with them
• Causing friction with your network of support - Negative Manipulation and Dependency
• Using shame or threats of to harm themselves to trap you into remaining close to them
• saying they “can’t live without you”
• Making you feel forced to stay even when you’re unhappy
How Should You Respond to Such Signs?
Follow your gut if you see any of these warning signs. Seek support by speaking with a trusted friend, relative, or counselor. You deserve a partnership based on safety, love, and respect for one another. Get in touch with a local helpline or support group if you feel uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Love should never come at the expense of your happiness or well-being. Be informed, remain strong, and put your safety first. No one should have remain in a relationship where they are abused. Knowing these warning signs will help you protect others and yourself.
