How to tell if your partner is being emotionally abusive

1. He belittles you

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1/8

“This can be in the form of hurtful words such as ‘stupid’ and ‘useless’. They make sarcastic comments about you or disguise an insult as a joke to leave you feeling small.”

2. He embarrasses you in front of other people

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2/8

“They criticise you in front of others or scold you loud enough for others to hear. They may also deliberately drop something on the floor just so you pick it up.”

3. He makes you feel like you're always in the wrong

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3/8

“They don’t consider your feelings and often give a ‘logical’ reason as to why they’re right and you’re wrong.”

4. He constantly makes you feel guilty about your thoughts or feelings

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4/8

“You feel blamed for most of the things that go wrong in the relationship and don’t feel like you’re able to voice your fears and needs. You’re never given the right to be angry and are constantly told that you’re selfish, demanding, paranoid or unreasonable.”

5. He talks down to you

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5/8

“They talk to you in a harsh or authoritative tone and make you feel like you’re a child instead of a partner.”

6. He ostracises you

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6/8

“They paint you in bad light to friends and make you feel unaccepted in a group setting.”

7. He socially isolates you

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7/8

“They make it difficult for you to keep in touch with friends and family.”

8. He stonewalls you

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8/8

“They give you the cold shoulder most of the time. This is a form of emotional disengagement that results in emotional hurt and isolation.”