Is This an Argument or Emotional Abuse?

It’s not always easy to know whether recurring conflicts are part of a healthy relationship or signs of emotional abuse. This article explores how abusers shift conversations into arguments through tactics like changing the subject, invalidating their partner, stonewalling, and using anger to gain control. Understanding how your partner responds when you bring up a concern can help you tell the difference—and take the first steps toward clarity and healing.

Tell-Tale Signs of Emotional Abuse: Confusion, Anxiety, and Frustration

While physical abuse leaves evidence like bruises or broken bones, the tell-tale signs of emotional abuse, like the abuse itself, are harder to identify. Some indicators are an ongoing sense of confusion, anxiety, and/or frustration.

The Power Imbalance in Emotionally Abusive Relationships

Emotionally abusive relationships are built on a subtle yet destructive imbalance of power. Unlike physical abuse, this imbalance takes non-physical forms, such as control over finances, dismissal of a partner’s thoughts and feelings, or manipulation of trust.

What Is Emotional Abuse?

Breaking down the definition of emotional abuse and taking a closer look at each part can help people get a clearer idea of what it is and if it is occurring in their relationship – an important first step in ending the abuse.