Emotional Abuse

You’ve probably heard about physical abuse in relationships, but do you know about emotional abuse?

Emotional abuse is a form of manipulation, verbal assualt, control, and brain-washing that slowly erodes the victim’s sense of self-worth, security, and trust in themselves and others.

It can leave mental and emotional scars that are deeply painful and debilitating. On this page, you’ll learn about the various signs and forms of emotional abuse and how to deal with them.

17 Signs Of Emotional Invalidation In Your Relationship

by Barrie Davenport

Validation plays a crucial role in shaping our identity and sense of self-worth. When someone consistently dismisses or minimizes your feelings, thoughts, or experiences, this emotional invalidation can deeply affect your mental and emotional well-being. It can lead to suppressed emotions, heightened feelings of worthlessness, eroded self-esteem, and increased self-doubt.

In a relationship, this harmful behavior can create distance and confusion, making it hard to feel valued or understood. Recognizing the signs of emotional invalidation is key to addressing its damaging effects on your relationship.

Are You Tiptoeing Through Love? 21 Signs You’re Walking on Eggshells in Your Relationship

by Barrie Davenport

Ever felt like you're dancing in a minefield, where every step could be the wrong one? That's what walking on eggshells in a relationship feels like.

It's this uneasy tiptoeing around each other, where you're constantly on edge, afraid to say or do the wrong thing. It's exhausting, isn't it?

This tension, this fear of breaking the fragile peace, can drain the joy out of love and leave you wondering how you got here and, more importantly, how you can find your way back to solid ground.

13 Heartbreaking Signs of a Toxic Daughter

by Barrie Davenport

Talking about toxic adult children is uncomfortable.

By the time you've gotten to this article, you've likely faced years of contempt, rage, entitlement, and fights.

Mothers tend to see their daughters through the lens of unconditional love instead of owning up to the clear signs of a bad mother-daughter relationship.

Having a toxic daughter isn't about assigning blame.

It's about building a better relationship with her moving forward by addressing bad behavior and trigger points.

11 Narcissist Gaslighting Examples And Toxic Phrases They Always Use

by Barrie Davenport

Do you know someone who always makes you feel like you're the one in the wrong, no matter what? Chances are, you're dealing with a narcissist.

Narcissists are masters of manipulation, and they use a technique called gaslighting to make their victims doubt their own sanity. It’s valuable to read examples of narcissistic gaslighting and learn the toxic words they often use so you recognize what’s going on as soon as possible.

17 Most Glaring Traits of a Female Narcissist

by Barrie Davenport

Ever met a woman who's self-centered, jealous, critical, and often cruel? She might be a narcissist. Female narcissists are often dismissed as “mean girls,” but when gossiping, exclusion, and sabotage continue into adulthood, it points to something deeper.

Though they hide behind the masks of being “sweet” or “nurturing,” their behavior can be just as ruthless, even toward their own children. While male narcissists use charm, female narcissists compete for dominance—and they don’t outgrow their manipulative ways; they perfect them.

15 Top Warning Signs Of A Self-Centered and Self-Absorbed Person

by Barrie Davenport

woman taking selfie, self-absorbed person

Is there a self-absorbed person in your life? Maybe your new boyfriend can’t stop talking about himself, or your girlfriend constantly craves attention wherever she goes.

Whenever you share your own success, the conversation quickly shifts back to their achievements or adventures. It's a one-person show, where you're just the supporting cast.

Being around someone like this can drain you, as you're left constantly propping up their ego and need for attention.

Do You Know Someone Who Constantly Plays the Victim? Here Are 13 Strategies to Deal With Them

by Barrie Davenport

You're likely here because you are at your wits' end with someone who always plays the victim. The soul-sucking, mood-dampening, eye-roll-inducing behavior impacts your personal and professional life and can chip away at your own self-esteem.

If you try to help, you're attacking a victim. If you passively accept it, you're stuck in their rut. If you try to cut them off, you've victimized a victim.

Allow yourself one good scream at the top of your lungs, and let's dive into some strategies to help you with someone who plays the victim.