| Marriage should be a relationship that promotes love, | | | | This will help undo the negative programming your |
| support, and respect between two people. If | | | | spouse has put you through. |
| emotional abuse is part of the relationship dynamic, | | | | 3. Make some practical and financial preparations in |
| then these relationship characteristics are absent. It | | | | advance. Make copies of all financial documents, |
| can be intimidating and overwhelming to contemplate | | | | including bank statements, loan information, credit |
| leaving a marriage where you have continuously been | | | | card statements, employee reimbursement accounts, |
| receiving the message that you are inferior, | | | | mileage statements, property appraisals, tax returns, |
| worthless, crazy, and otherwise incapable. However, | | | | W-2's, car titles, and the like. Open a bank account in |
| it is possible to move forward in this situation and | | | | your own name and obtain a credit card in your |
| succeed in your goal should the decision to leave the | | | | name only as well. |
| marriage be right for you. Here are 5 steps for | | | | 4. Gather the professionals that you will need for the |
| assessing and leaving an emotionally abusive marriage: | | | | divorce process. Interview at least a few of each |
| 1. Listen to your own instinct. If you feel consistently | | | | category of professional you need - attorney, |
| unhappy and anxious after interacting with your | | | | financial planner, counselor, naturopath, and a coach if |
| partner, this merits a closer investigation in to what is | | | | needed. The more good support professionals on |
| really going on. Good relationships have conflicts, but | | | | your team, the easier the transition will be into your |
| they should be mutually respectful and not involve | | | | new life away from the emotionally abusive marriage. |
| one person accusing the other of wrongdoing or | | | | 5. Don't expose your planning to your partner. If you |
| casting insults. If you are being put down or | | | | feel at all threatened physically, be sure to contact a |
| controlled, this is emotional abuse. | | | | domestic violence shelter or a counselor that |
| 2. Listen to your loved ones and support network. If | | | | specializes in abuse issues to make a safe plan of |
| your friends and family are advising you that your | | | | exit. One of the most dangerous times in an abusive |
| relationship is unhealthy or if they have expressed | | | | relationship is when the victim is leaving. In any case, |
| concerns for your well being, this is important | | | | don't tell your spouse or anyone that might inform |
| information to take into consideration. Spend as much | | | | your spouse of your planning so you can better |
| time around those who affirm you and build you up. | | | | protect your interests. |