| A newfound love is always exhilarating. This | | | | those regarding one's clothing, hairstyle and |
| exhilaration always causes one to be blinded to the | | | | appearance as this behaviour gets worse. A whirlwind |
| very obvious indicators and should be flashing red | | | | romance may seem romantic, although it doesn't |
| lights, warning a person of a potentially catastrophic | | | | always end that way. A lot of people involved in an |
| relationship. Often, if the abuse has been inflicted | | | | abusive relationship dated or knew their abusive |
| during dating, it is always possible to continue well | | | | partners for less than six months or so before they |
| after the marriage and escalate over time. Any | | | | got married, engaged or moved in together. |
| couple in a relationship cannot change each other's | | | | One is always pressured to commit to the |
| behaviour. One can only change oneself, so, staying in | | | | relationship in a way that makes the other person |
| a relationship out of fear, or hoping that the other | | | | feel guilty because of the slowing down of |
| person will eventually change is not necessary. | | | | involvement or breakup in the relationship. Unrealistic |
| Abusers usually show signs of similar behavioural | | | | expectations from his/her partner are a common |
| patterns. Being able to spot these patterns and | | | | characteristic of an abusive partner. They want their |
| signals can help a person from entering any abusive | | | | significant other to be able to meet their every need. |
| relationship before it even begins. | | | | There is always a demand for the other person to |
| Identifying an abuser can be easy if one is familiar | | | | be perfect in just about everything and take care of |
| with the clues. A common behaviour seen in this | | | | all his/her emotional needs. This person is likewise |
| relationship is jealousy. An abusive person will often | | | | constantly unemployed, and somebody is always out |
| refer to jealousy as a sign of love, especially at the | | | | to get him/her. An abuser will may make mistakes, |
| early stages of the relationship. Unfortunately, | | | | and will surely blame you for upsetting him/her. |
| jealousy has nothing to do with love. It is simply an | | | | As a matter of fact, you will be at fault for almost |
| indication of possessiveness and lack of trust. The | | | | every single thing that goes wrong in an abusive |
| jealous partner is often inquisitive about who his/her | | | | relationship. Saying things that are cruel and hurtful is |
| partner talks to, accuses him/her of flirting and is | | | | almost second nature to an abuser. He/she will |
| jealous even of one's family and friends. Strange | | | | degrade, curse, or subject you to name-calling and |
| behaviours like checking your car's mileage or asking | | | | will even make fun of your accomplishments. This |
| friends to watch you are also common. | | | | person may even wake you up in the middle of the |
| A controlling behaviour is also prominent-the abuser | | | | night to verbally abuse you or will not allow you to |
| will assert that this is because of his/her concern for | | | | sleep until you talk out an argument. To make |
| your safety, or simply wants to guide you to use | | | | matters worse, there will be threats of violence |
| time wisely. There will be bursts of anger if one is | | | | meant to control a partner. And, it won't be surprising |
| late coming back from an appointment, and will | | | | at all if he/she displays breaking or striking objects. |
| question the partner closely about his/her | | | | Often, the abuser also has a history of being |
| whereabouts. Often, the abuser will prevent the | | | | physically abusive to a past bf/gf or husband/wife. |
| other person from making personal decisions, even | | | | |