Relationships are challenging and require work to be successful. When the dynamic of the relationship is healthy, this investment can lead to a mutually satisfying, nurturing, fulfilling experience for both parties. However, if one partner is emotionally and psychologically abusive, the victim can be left feeling inferior, incompetent, unworthy, and even crazy. Emotional and psychological abuse can lead to depression in the victim. Here are 5 signs you may be with an emotionally and psychologically abusive partner.

1. Your partner puts you down, either in public or privately. These insults may consist of blatant name calling, or they may be more subtle criticisms of the way your do things, who you are, or even your mental state.

2. Your partner attempts to control your daily activities. He or she may discourage you from pursuing work opportunities or education to keep you dependent, and expect you to relate what you do during the day on a regular basis. You may feel required to both report and defend your choices. You may even choose to do activities you know your partner will approve of just to avoid rocking the boat.

3. Your partner tries to restrict your time with friends and family. You may be directly prohibited from seeing someone, or the pressure may be more manipulative in nature, such as a statement like "I can't believe you would choose to spend time with her over me." This serves a couple of purposes. It affirms your partner's control over you, and it also keeps you isolated and away from the positive messages of your loved ones. It also prevents your loved ones form offering criticism of your partner.

4. Your partner uses sex to control and manipulate you. He or she may demand sex despite your needs or preferences, or your partner may take the opposite approach, and withhold sex form you deliberately. This leaves you feeling vulnerable, rejected, and subject to the abuser's whim.

5. Your partner may threaten non-physical consequences for not complying with his or her demands. This may be interspersed with occasional acts of generosity or kindness, but rather than being a sincere effort to show you love and change for the better, it is a tactic designed to bring you back into the relationship. Once you are back under his or her thumb, the emotional and psychological abuse will begin all over again.

Are you interested in addressing your life challenges from a holistic standpoint, assessing the physical, emotional, and relationship components?

For a free copy of my ebook, "Natural Methods To Fight Depression", click here: http://www.stoptoxicrelationships.com/gifts-naturalmethodstofightdepression.html

Shannon Cook is a personal growth and relationship expert who has written a number of informative articles and ebooks on the topic of toxic relationships and holistic personal growth, including physical, emotional and relationship health.

Shannon E. Cook
March 5, 2009

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_E_Cook

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