For the past year I've struggled to come to terms with the verbally abusive and toxic relationship I had with my ex. I know it will take a long time to fully heal from the damage. I also know I'm not alone. Millions of people have been in verbally, physically, and sexually abusive relationships. In some cases, all three.
I'd like to start a thread discussing the potential warning signs of abusive relationships, which may help those who might be unknowingly entering into one think twice about getting further involved. Also, for those who have difficulty recognizing them often and follow a harmful pattern. (I definitely fall into this category).
For those of you who have been in abusive relationships and feel comfortable sharing:
- What were your first warning signs that something was wrong?
- Were there actions or behaviors that you may have missed or dismissed at first only to later realize were big red flags?
- Do you have any advice you'd like to give to others so they they too, don't go through what you've been through?
Education is very important and how many of us have come from families where we were treated less-than-lovingly and therefore weren't quite aware how we were supposed to be treated in relationships as an adult?
This is our thread. Survivors-turned-educators unite!