5 Signs A Relationship Is Becoming Abusive

Sometimes it is difficult to recognize when you're in an abusive relationship because maybe you've grown up in a household that contains the same kind of behavior. Or maybe you think abuse is getting beaten on a daily basis and that is not happening to you. It's important to know that abuse is not only physical and can happen through very small actions.

1. Belittling or over the top teasing

Teasing can be cute, but when it becomes a constant occurrence or your feelings are getting hurt, then it's gone too far. Sometimes people think that saying they are only kidding makes everything okay, but it really doesn't. If negative teasing or belittling or nasty comments are getting you down, you need to say something. It is hard, but if you can't demand more respect for yourself, it won't be given to you.

2. Blame for things out of your control

It's sweet and cute to be considered good luck when good things happen, but being called bad luck or a jinx when bad things happen is just wrong when you have no control over the situation in question such as a sports game or such. If you are being seriously blamed for someone else's loss, to the point where your partner is angry with you about the outcome, it's important to stand up for yourself and make sure that you do not feel guilty for something out of your control.

3. Unloving touches

No one, not a boyfriend or girlfriend, should ever touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable. You know that hitting and slapping are wrong, but it's just as wrong to shove or grope someone. The assumption that you are "up for grabs" because you're dating is false. Your body is still yours. If your partner is trying to show affection, then do what you can to explain what touches are okay with you and which are completely off limits without asking first.

4. Needing to know your every move

Sometimes it's out of protectiveness that your boyfriend or girlfriend wants to know where you're going and when they expect to be back. When your partner needs to know everywhere you are going and goes to the extent of interrogating you about where you are going and who you are going with constantly, that's where the problem lies. And when you are expected to ask permission, that is taking control to an even higher level.

5. Disregarding feelings

Being in a relationship means that you listen and care about each other's feelings. When one person's feelings matter more than another's this causes issues in any relationship. One person is never more important than another person in a relationship. If you have talked to your partner about any of the above issues or something else that's important to you and s/he continues the actions that they now know upset you, it is important to realize that they are disregarding your feelings and that is not a sign of love.

If you are experiencing any of the above actions from someone you are in a relationship with, talk to someone who can help you understand what is happening and the next steps that you can take to help yourself.