There’re phrases that frequently come out of people’s mouth every day and most often, we allow them or they’ve become norm to us and don’t see the abusive side of it. Some people joke with these words day in day out in their relationships.
So, is there really anything wrong with using these phrases? I
mean, we have all said some of these things ourselves – wink!! or at least had
these thoughts about a friend, colleague or even your significant other
playfully or not.
Phrases like - “What on earth is wrong with you”? “Shut up” “Why
are you so ignorant” “You’re so dumb” “Be silent when I speak” “Mumu” etc.
Is it verbal abuse?
To an extent, it depends.
Some people easily detect when they’re victims of a verbally
abusive relationship. While others may not recognize it till the end of the world.
For instance, if you grew up with parents or lived with people
who talked to you and each other respectfully and in a polite manner, then you
will probably be able to spot verbal abuse from a distance. This is possible
because you’ll easily spot the difference in words and tone used.
Nevertheless, if you grew up in an environment or family where
there was a lot of yelling, fighting, daily argument, screaming, and rain of
abuses, then you won’t be able to recognize verbal abuse even when it stirs at
you. You’ll must likely take it to be the norm. Except in some rare cases,
maybe as a result of a change in environment.
You might ask why? It’s because that pattern of communication is
normal to you. That’s how you’ve communicated all your life including your
relationships. You’re so used to it like you’re having a drink. So it’s all you
know and if you don’t include such phrases in a day, it might seem you aren’t
okay.
Truth be told: just because you’re familiar to such words or
phrases, doesn’t make it right.
Verbal abuse is not justified in any situation or environment. It is
what it is!!
What is a verbal abuse?
Verbal abuse can basically be described as any communication
event that causes emotional damage to at least one person. It is used to hurt.
Verbal abuse is to treat with cruelty. Verbal abuse is also an unjust, corrupt
or wrongful practice or custom.
One of the negative effects of continuous exposure to this trend
is serious damage to the victim’s self-esteem and self-worth.
Sometimes, verbal abusers don’t come out plain so you’re lost
right in the middle of the abuse. They’re found of making subtle negative
comments here and there and giggle so you don’t suspect a thing.
Note: The utmost goal of verbal
abusers is meant to manipulate and control their victim, not minding it’s their
significant other.
Some verbal abuse you should watch out for
1.
Teasing and joking
This is one of the more subtle tactics used by verbal abusers.
It’s meant to bamboozle their victim.
For example, a man might say to his significant other “you look
like bread in water” and say it with a smile on his face and a charming tone and
probably giggle.
What he’s really saying is that she’s fat. It’s a disapproval
disguised as a joke or teasing.
2. flippant
or rude
Verbal abusers latterly don’t take your feelings into account
because they don’t find them important. They see your emotions as secondary or
nothing of interest.
For instance, you complain to them about someone who’s mean to
you and all they could reply with is “get over it” or “what do you want me to
do”.
Verbal abusers are rude and could also lack empathy.
3.
Humiliating or degrading
With reference to #2 above, when your significant other use
words or phrases that dehumanizes, they are verbal abusers.
They use humiliating or degrading words you think or feel that
you are a second class human. They deliberately make you feel so low or lower
than low pointing to the fact that they are far better than you could ever
imagine.
So If you hear your significant other say things like, “No one would ever put up with your
**** but me” etc. That’s degrading and cruel.
4. Good
accusers
Verbal abusers are very good at accusing others. Perhaps they’re
habitually suspecting you of cheating on them or you once told a lie and they
keep calling you a liar or don’t just believe whatever you say anymore etc.
They always have fun accusing other people.
5. They
don’t want you to talk
For instance, you want to talk about how to improve your
relationship or point out some things you’re not comfortable with, a non-verbal
abuser will sit and hear you out and then respond appropriately.
But a verbal abuser will do all they can to change the topic of
discussion directly or not.
Sometimes, they make light of what you said and
start a conversation that they want to talk about and not yours.
In other words, verbal abusers avoid giving you the power to talk
about what you want.
6.
Judging and criticizing
Judging
and criticizing is one of the tactics employed by
verbal abusers so they’ll always be in-charge. A verbal abuser will always say
what you say or do is wrong.
For example, maybe you prepared a nice meal and you’re so proud
of yourself. An abuser would come home and find something wrong with the meal.
Or criticize how you look while having an interior motive.
Verbal abuser will employ this method to bring your self-esteem to
zero level so they can control or manipulate you.
7. The
blame game
Abusers don’t take responsibility for anything. They’re found of
placing blames on other people order than themselves.
8.
Swearing at you
With reference to #7, if someone is constantly using swear words
with you, especially when combined with anger, then that is verbal abuse and it
is manipulative.
9.
Threats
With reference to #7 and 8, threats can come in all forms.
There’re basically two forms threat can appear- It could be a
threat to harm you – or it could be a threat that they might harm themselves.
All of this is to scare and manipulate you in the relationship into behaving
just the way they want you to.
10.
Name-calling
There’s no two way about this: “name-calling is bad”.
If your significant other calls you bad names such as “lazy,” “careless,”
etc, that’s not okay.
Name-calling is also used to demoralize someone. Make them feel
lesser than you. Like they can’t think without you.
11. They’re
bossy
Abusers crave for total control. They want their voice to be the
only one heard. Hence, they’re generally bossy and order their victims around
like errand boys.
If your significant other negatively acts more like a parent to
you, then it’s verbal abuse.
One of such ways includes: Limiting how often you leave the
house, how many showers you can take per day/week etc.
12. Constantly
pointing out your flaws
Everyone has flaws and has made mistakes sometime, but no one
needs them pointed out on a daily basis..
Therefore, if someone is constantly pointing out what is wrong
with you, or what mistakes you have made in your life, then that is verbal
abuse.
13.
Have no regards for your opinions and ideas
With reference to #11, you know how it feels when you share a
great idea with your boss and he shoots it down?
Well, that’s exactly what verbal abusers do. When you share an
idea or an opinion, a verbal abuser will just shoot it down and disregard it.
What you can do when verbally abused
Naturally, you’ll want your abuser to calm down and reason with
you.
Regrettably, this rarely works. Let’s say 1 out of 20 abusers
will reason with you that moment. Eventually, you’ll have to stop them by being
firm and not trying to reason with them. Let’s call a spade a spade – they’re
abusers.
1. Safety first - Remove
yourself from the scenario
If you can leave that scenario, please do. You could go into
your bedroom if you have one. Go for a drive or take a walk if you can.
Ensure to leave that scenario and tell them that you won’t talk
to them until they can talk with some respect and calmness.
Note that this might trigger more abuses or anger from the
abuser. So be prepared. Get a clear mind!!
2. Inform them on their
abusive behavior
They suddenly realize you’re on to them and recognize their
manipulative tactics when you call them out on their bad behavior and this takes
away their power.
Just like bullies, abusers love easy targets. Hence, if you do
nothing about their behavior, it’ll sure continue.
But if you tell an abuser to stop their abusive behavior, they
won’t like it and will either have to try to change their behavior or go find
someone else that they can verbally abuse because they now know you will no
longer allow them to keep abusing you.
3.
Get help
With
reference with #2, when you’ve called them out on their abusive behavior and
are will to change, you can seek for help from professionals.
4. Take a walk from the
relationship if at all possible
It all depends though, this could be difficult for some but if
all else fails, you might have to do this or stay and don’t complain of their
behavior any longer.
I recognize the fact that it’s not possible with some
relationships like parent/child. But it’s possible with some. Sometimes that’s the only thing left to do.
Remember that, what we allow from other people will continue.
It all starts with self-love. You have to love and respect
yourself so not to give room to abusers in your life.
You deserve to be happy.
Picture: Pexels
What To Do When In A Verbally Abusive Relationship
Reviewed by Juilal
on
21:37
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Reviewed by Juilal
on
21:37
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