5 signs of emotional abuse
One.
He is critical.
I only ever wantedhimto be proud of me.
But nothing qualifies.
“Bare minimum.”“Stupid goals.”“Looks like you’re not going to college.”
His approvalis a moving targetand I am alwaysalmost there.
***
Two.
He ignores my boundarieslike they are optional.
Jokes about cheating.Going to girls’ houses.Pretending to hit me.
“I’m uncomfortable,” I say.
“You’re too sensitive,” he replies.
And somehowthat becomes truth.
***
Three.
If I talk to a boy,I am cheating.
If he plays with another girl’s hair,gets in her car,sits too close —
it’s harmless.
If I go to a baseball gamewith my mom,I am bad.
The rules bendaround him.
They breakaround me.
***
Four.
He creates storieswhere I am unstable.
“You’re paranoid.”“You’re overthinking.”“It’s not even like that.”
He rearranges realityuntil I no longer trustmy own eyes.
***
Five.
He apologizesjust enoughto make me stay.
He says he hears me.He says he understands.
Then he tells memy feelings are wrong.
And I start to believe him.
***
I used to think abusewas screaming.
Now I knowit can sound like“you’re just sensitive.”
