How to Identify the Signs of Emotional Abuse When Dating

Dating can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a single mom trying to recover from experiencing emotional abuse. One of the most damaging experiences you can have when dating is being with a controlling or manipulative person. They can charm you initially, but their true colors will eventually show, leaving you with emotional wounds that can take a long time to heal. In this blog post, I’ll discuss how to recognize the signs of emotional abuse when dating, so that you can avoid getting caught up in their toxic games.

Dating Red Flags:

1. They constantly seek admiration – Some men need constant reassurance that they are such an amazing person and can achieve anything they set out to do. If your partner is always talking about their accomplishments and achievements, not in a humble way, but in a way that feels like they want recognition, then this is a red flag. A healthy relationship is not about competing with each other but rather supporting one another.
2. They gaslight you – Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that makes the woman question their reality and sanity. This person will twist your words, mixed messages or even deny things they said or did, making you doubt your own memory and judgment. Constant gaslighting can make it difficult to build trust in a healthy relationship.
3. They isolate you – Some men love to be the center of attention, and will often try to isolate you from your family and friends. They do this because they know that once you’re separated from your loved ones, it’ll be easier for them to manipulate and control you. Pay attention if your partner has a problem with you spending time with anybody else besides them, especially if they use guilt or fear to keep you close.
4. They act entitled – Some men will often demand special treatment, and will quickly become cold, distant, or angry if they don’t get what they want. They often feel entitled, which means they firmly believe that they have the right to ask for anything they want and get upset when things don’t go their way. In a healthy relationship, it’s essential to create an environment of equality and mutual respect.
5. They have a need for dominance and control – Some men often want to feel in control of the situation and the relationship. They may make decisions on your behalf without consulting you or belittle your efforts to take the lead. Over time, this can lead to feelings of helplessness and worthlessness. Keeping them happy becomes a priority in your life, leaving no room for your self-development.

One Last Thing…

Dating can be complicated, and when you’ve experienced abuse in the past. Make sure you understand the dating red flags & signs of a healthy relationship. Remember that you are worthy of love and respect and that identifying and ending a relationship with someone who is emotionally abusing you is essential to your emotional, physical & mental well-being. Taking the time to heal and recover from experiencing emotional abuse is a necessity if you don’t want to relive that experience again. As a professional single mom, make sure to listen to your gut instinct, trust yourself and when you feel ready, start dating and find a healthy relationship. Remember, you are not alone; join my private Facebook group for single moms if you ever need support and relief from the side effects of emotional abuse.

💜Renee

Check out the video I created that talks about some of the red flags I experienced while date. Did I mention I was a single mom for 10 years? Yep! I was determined to understand how I could avoid emotionally abusive relationships before tying the knot again!