“He's petty. If he's the sort of person who makes a mountain out of the proverbial molehill—let's say, when a waitress doesn't put enough ice in his soda—be warned.”— Martha Brockenbrough, womenshealthmag.com
“He's resentful. People like this aren't able to deal with the fact that life can sometimes be tough and unfair. They dwell on the injustice. Their resentment is a self-defense mechanism, masking a fear of inadequacy or failure.”— Martha Brockenbrough, womenshealthmag.com
“When you complain do they say that ‘it was just a joke’ and that you are too sensitive?”— Maria Bogdanos, psychcentral.com
“He breaks his promises and he fails to follow through on agreements. He minimizes your efforts, interests, hobbies, achievements and concerns. He trivializes your thoughts and suggestions.”— Nancy Nichols, thoughtcatalog.com
“He steers the conversation by refusing to discuss an issue or he inappropriately interrupts the conversation. He twists your words, he watches TV, or he walks out of the room while you’re talking. He criticizes you in a way that causes you to defend yourself and lose sight of the original conversati…”— Nancy Nichols, thoughtcatalog.com
“He refuses to listen, he ignores your questions, he withholds eye contact and he gives you the ‘silent treatment.’ He’s punishing you!”— Nancy Nichols, thoughtcatalog.com
“If you are in an emotionally abusive relationship, there is a good chance that eventually things may get physical. At first, the abuser might pull your hair, push you, or grab you so hard that you bruise; these may only be warning signs that things can escalate further.”— Merely Me, healthcentral.com
“An emotional abuser goes through life feeling entitled to be treated like royalty, and wants you to be a willing servant. He or she expects you to do everything and will not help at all.”— Merely Me, healthcentral.com
“Alcohol and drug use. Not all abusers use drugs or drink excessive alcohol, but many do. An addiction can lead to erratic and innappropriate behavior. Substance abuse can be a gateway to emotional abuse and an unhealthy relationship.”— Merely Me, healthcentral.com
“Sexual manipulation. Your partner emotionally manipulates you into sexual activities you don’t like. They may even emotionally armtwist you by saying things like ‘Other girls/guys do it! Why can’t you?’”— Natalia Avdeeva, lovepanky.com
“Your partner’s behavior and attitude confuses you. At times, they may be extremely loving and caring. And at other times, they’re really mean and hurtful. You just can’t predict how they’ll react to anything you do.”— Natalia Avdeeva, lovepanky.com
“Painful comparisons. Your partner constantly compares you, either with your more prettier or successful friends, and tells you how much better than you they are. Your partner may even be subtle and point out to celebrities and tell you how they’re so much more attractive than you.”— Natalia Avdeeva, lovepanky.com
“When you ask him a question about his intentions, does he stutter? Does he talk around the question? It takes approximately zero seconds to communicate the truth. It takes a little longer than that to come up with a passable lie or excuse. Interpret stuttering and dancing around questions for what t…”— Christina Berchini, elitedaily.com
“He’s the guy who does not leave your dorm/apartment/home when you’ve asked him to. The same goes for the guy who shows up to your home when you have explicitly asked him not to. None of this is cute or endearing. It is offensive and an abuse of your boundaries.”— Christina Berchini, elitedaily.com
“He nonsensically reminds you of the hordes of women who are attracted to him to make you believe it is your job to please him and make him happy at all times, lest he finds someone new.”— Christina Berchini, elitedaily.com
“You no longer want to bring your significant other around your friends or family because you're afraid he will berate you and humiliate you in front of your loved ones.”— Adriana Velez, thestir.cafemom.com
“You're afraid to tell your partner about a normal happening - your car needs brakes, your boss made you work overtime - because you're not sure how he will react.”— Adriana Velez, thestir.cafemom.com