Are You Being Abused?

It's a delicate subject and one most people don't like to talk about, especially those people who are being abused and can't face the reality of it. The first time I allowed myself to acknowledge that, yes, I was being abused, was a very sad and painful day for me. Up until then I had just told myself that it was just the way they were, they couldn't help it and it had nothing to do personally with me. I had convinced myself that all they needed was understanding and love and someday, by some miracle, they would change and become the kind and loving companion I needed. Of course, that day never came because they were what they were and they thought everything was always my fault. Abuse isn't always physical. It can also be emotional, verbal, mental and even financial. Here are ten ways you can know you are being abused.

1. You feel like you are in prison, emotionally and even physically

2. The things you want to do in life are never acceptable to your abuser so you put away all your ambitions and dreams.

3. They buy expensive things above your means while you try to economize and pay their bills.

4. You endure their rages and their punishing you by ignoring you, even not speaking to you for long periods of time, if you cross them.

5. You live in fear and walk on eggshells

6. No family members of friends are allowed to be close to you. They don't want you to have any support system and you can love only them. They isolate you.

7. They constantly accuse you of having lovers, without any cause.

8. They backstab you to others with false accusations.

9. There is nothing sacred, even the most intimate details, they talk about and twist everything.

10. They may threaten to or actually hurt your children or pets.

This is a very short list, there are many signs of abuse but I didn't want to overload you today. There is a blue butterfly image on the lower far left of every page of my website. If you are in an abusive situation, click the button for professional, confidential, free help.