Bruises are obvious but the emotional abuse can be hidden well and sometimes those type of wounds are the worst. They can be easily hidden which makes it harder for the victim to leave since they feel as though they don’t have any reason or evidence of the abuse. That isn't true, and a lot of the time you might not realize you are in an abusive relationship until it’s too late. Here are some signs to look out for.

1. Every day is a rollercoaster

  • One minute you two are on top of the world, your relationship couldn't be better and then the next day you can’t stop fighting and you don’t see it changing any time soon. 
  • The arguments and then the subsequent apologies can leave you feel manipulated and stuck.


2. It’s isolating

  • Relationships are meant to be positive and that means being able to see your friends and family whenever you see fit. 
  • However, if you are in an emotionally abusive relationship they will often isolate you from your loved ones so you feel as though you can’t leave them even if you wanted.


3. There’s no trust but a lot of jealousy

  • Contrary to every Hollywood TV show and movie, jealousy isn't normal. 
  • It’s never right for one person in the relationship to be jealous over everything and anything, especially if there is no reason to feel this way. 
  • It’s often used as a technique to make the abused one feel bad and therefore stay.


4. Discussions turn into arguments quickly

  • First you’re talking about where to eat dinner and the next you’re arguing about whose turn it was do to this or that. 
  • This is one of the reasons an abusive relationship is often so full of ups and downs.


5. You’re never 100% yourself around them

  • Even if you’ve been together for years you feel as though you can’t be yourself, you can’t laugh the way you want, or eat or talk about the things you want to because you are worried about the way they might react.


6. They put you down

  • A partner is meant to be your biggest supporter and motivator, not the person who tells you that you can’t reach your dreams or goals. 
  • If you’ve noticed that every time you mention wanting to try something new and potentially life changing and your partner shuts it down, you might be in an abusive relationship.


7. You put them before yourself

  • This is mainly because you are trying to keep them happy and therefore hopefully stop the arguments but it isn’t healthy. 
  • Your number one priority should always be yourself and if they aren’t benefitting you in any way, it’s probably time to move on.


8. You feel stuck

  • Maybe it’s physically or just emotionally stuck but you feel as though no matter what you do you’ll never be able to rid yourself of them. 
  • Things like controlling your spare time or your personal things like stopping you from using your car or phone are also signs of an unhealthy and abusive relationship.