Emotional abuse takes many forms and some of them are extremely seductive.
A spouse can say something like, “You are so beautiful even though you have gained twenty pounds.” On the surface, the message is that she is beautiful so there is no need to get upset. Right? Wrong!
The dominant message is that he is noticing the weight gain and wants her to know it.
How about this one? “Honey, I know you want to help me with the bills but there are things that you just don’t understand. Why don’t you just stick to the house cleaning and I’ll take care of the finances?” What is the message here?
Uh…she is not smart or capable of handling the finances but put a mop in her hand and she is very competent.
So, if you aren’t feeling good about yourself, there is a reason and the reason may not be you. This kind of emotional emotional abuse is so difficult to address because of the easy answers. “How can you possibly be angry? I said I think you are beautiful and I don’t care if you are overweight.”
Emotional abuse of any kind takes its toll on self esteem but with the right mindset, women can and do survive.
Photo: juliejordanscott
