Trauma

Our relationships with other people are the places where we are often at our most vulnerable. The people we’re in relationships with see us at our best and our worst; they support us in times of trouble, and they also share in our joys. We stand alongside them when they are in need, and we share the journey of life. When those relationships are or become unsafe, that can undermine one’s well-being, especially where emotional abuse is involved. Relationships come in different shapes; parent-child relationships, friendship, a romantic relationship, or the relationship between siblings, to name a few. These different relationships don’t all function the same way, but there are a few things that are basic to all relationships. This includes being shown consideration, love, and respect. Our dignity and value which flows from being creatures made in God’s image (Genesis 1: 26-27) make these basics just that. Some examples of emotional abuse Emotional abuse manifests in a relationship in several ways. Certain patterns of relating to one another may seem natural and may have always been part of how you talk and act toward each other, but that doesn’t mean that they are normal or healthy. In other situations, those patterns may be recent developments that have begun to affect your relationship. Some examples of emotional abuse in a relationship include the following: Withholding affection, care, and support There are relationships in which there is a duty to care. Parents have a duty to care for, clothe, feed, educate, house, and meet the needs of their children such as the need to socialize and play with their peers. Spouses have duties to one another, including showing affection, giving mutual support, and so on. Withholding what rightfully belongs to the other person for whatever reason is a form of [...]