Being in a verbally abusive relationship will lead to you not trusting yourself or your partner and feeling demeaned. More often than not, victims of verbal abuse are not even aware that they are victims in the beginning. That’s going to make it harder for them to handle the problem. After all, recognizing the problem is among the first steps to solving it.
In this second part of the article, your trusted couples counseling center focuses on the telltale signs that someone is a victim of verbal abuse:
You Don’t Have the Self-Confidence You Used to Have
If you used to be a confident person, but now you find yourself second-guessing everything you do, it may be a sign that you’re a victim of verbal abuse. Your abuser has likely been telling you that you’re not good enough, that you’re stupid, or that you’ll never amount to anything. Over time, this constant put-down can take a severe toll on your self-esteem.
You Always Feel Like You’re Walking on Eggshells When There is Verbal Abuse in Your Relationship
You never know what will set them off, so you’re always trying to avoid any potential conflict. It’s exhausting and can take a toll on your mental and emotional health. You might find yourself walking on eggshells, censoring what you say, and avoiding specific topics altogether.
Living in fear kills our will to grow and live over time. Inevitably, our desire to thrive and succeed will erupt in the form of destructive behavior. We will either attack the other person or systematically destroy ourselves. The abuser’s reaction to this is unpredictable.
What You Should Do If You Are in a Verbally Abusive Relationship
If you are in a verbally abusive relationship, it is crucial to take action to protect yourself and your relationship. Here are some things you can do:
1. Talk to your partner about the problem.
It is important to talk to your partner about the problem. If the verbal abuse is from your partner, they need to be made aware of the issue and how it is affecting you. Try to have a calm and rational conversation about the problem and what can be done to resolve it.
2. Getting help when there is verbal abuse in your relationship.
If you are struggling to deal with the effects of verbal abuse, seek professional help. Rich has mad experience personally and professionally and will help you break the cycle of abuse.
3. Set boundaries.
It is crucial to set boundaries in a verbally abusive relationship. This means making it clear what behavior is acceptable and what is not. If your partner doesn’t show respect for your boundaries, it may be necessary to take further action, such as ending the relationship.
4. Get support from friends or family.
Friends and family can also be your source of support if you are in a verbally abusive relationship. Talk to someone you trust about what you are going through. They can offer you practical and emotional support.
5. Seek legal helpwhen there is verbal abuse in your relationship.
In some cases, legal action may be needed to protect yourself from verbal abuse. If you are being threatened or harassed in any way, you may need to take out a restraining order. If you have been physically harmed, you may need to file a police report.
Conclusion
If you are in a verbally abusive relationship, it is essential to take action to protect yourself and learn how to handle verbal abuse in your relationship. Talk to your partner about the problem and seek couples counseling or therapy if necessary. Set boundaries and get support from friends or family. Don’t be afraid to take legal action.
If you are in need of couples coaching, Rich in Relationship can help you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!