| Emotionally abusive relationships can be difficult to | | | | increased tension, setting of your jaw, tightening of |
| leave, despite the pain and emotional destruction that | | | | your shoulders, or the sick feeling in your stomach |
| they cause. Often, the victim feels worthless and | | | | when you interact with certain people. Note the |
| incapable of managing alone, and this makes it very | | | | peaceful, affirming, encouraged feeling you get |
| difficult for the victim to feel as if a break up is | | | | around other individuals in your circle. Try saying "no" |
| feasible. However, there are strategies you can | | | | in your mind when undesirable behavior or requests |
| employ to help you hold your resolve and follow | | | | come your way, and move toward people and |
| through with a decision to leave an emotionally | | | | situations that build you up and help you to feel more |
| abusive relationship. Here are 3 strategies to avoid | | | | empowered and competent. |
| returning to an emotionally abusive relationship: | | | | 3. Avoid contact with your emotionally abusive ex |
| 1. Spend time with your support network as often as | | | | partner. If at all possible, sever all contact and give |
| possible. Surround yourself with close friends, trusted | | | | yourself a chance to heal separately from the |
| family members, and support professionals like | | | | influencing negativity of your abuser's words. If you |
| counselors or coaches. This is important to help you | | | | are forced to interact, keep it as detached and |
| counteract the effects of whatever messages the | | | | distant as possible. Stick with the topic at hand, like |
| abuser has put in your head. | | | | the children, and don't stray from the subject. If |
| 2. Begin to re-establish your red flag system and | | | | necessary, end the call or visit if you feel that |
| heed its warnings. Note when your body reacts to | | | | anxious, red flag instinct telling you that you are being |
| situations and people in your life. Pay attention to the | | | | harmed. |