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.

21 Most Hurtful Phrases You’ll Hear From a Toxic Partner

by Barrie Davenport

couple sitting woman pushing man away things toxic partners say

Have you ever been blindsided by hurtful words from someone you love?

If your partner regularly diminishes you with criticism or tries to control you with accusations, you may be the victim of emotional abuse.

Toxic relationships often start subtly before escalating into a nightmare.

Becoming aware of verbal tactics like gaslighting, blaming, and shaming can help you identify a harmful partnership.

Though endings are painful, walking away from toxicity is the only path to fulfillment.

You deserve to be cherished for everything you are.

Now is the time to break destructive patterns and courageously choose yourself.

Crazy Making Behavior: When Your Partner Manipulates To Make You Doubt Yourself

by Barrie Davenport

You’re in a relationship with someone who makes you feel off balance and disconnected from reality — as well as from the people you used to count on for support.

It’s gotten so bad you hear yourself justifying his behavior and questioning your own perception.

If he says you’re “crazy” or “losing your grip on reality,” then maybe you are.

Maybe he’s just the first one to notice and to care enough to say something. And if you can believe that, he can get away with anything.

The abuser and the abused can be either male or female, so I don’t use the male pronoun to call out men in particular.

Crazy-making abuse has more to do with personality, which is a combination of nature and environment.

You’ve Been Provoked Into Reactive Abuse: Protect Yourself From The Narcissistic Tactics That Can Harm You

by Barrie Davenport

Let's talk about reactive abuse — or reactionary abuse.

A form of gaslighting, reactive abuse is when one person intentionally provokes another into intense, adverse reactions.

It can be emotional, psychological, or physical — and in many cases, reactive abuse is an unconscious, reflexive instinct.

Is it harmful?

What types of people engage in the practice?

Why do they do it? How can you stop the cycle of reactive abuse?

Settle in — because we're unpacking it all below.

Love and Harm: Is It Normal for Your Boyfriend to Hit You?

by Barrie Davenport

woman crying on phone Is it normal for my boyfriend to hit me?

We see you sitting there, asking a question no one should ever need to consider: “Is it normal for my boyfriend to hit me?”

Let's get one thing straight — love should never leave bruises.

It's a heart-wrenching question, and it might feel like you're alone, but you're not.

We're stepping into this tough conversation together, okay?

Let's unravel the twisted idea of ‘normal' and light the path towards a healthier, happier you.

Because you, darling, are worth so much more.

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.