5 ways women emotionally abuse their partner in a relationship--and why they need to stop

Gone Girl's Amy Dunne does exist in real life. It could be you! Photo Courtesy: Youtube/CineFlix

 Whenever we talk about abuse in a relationship, we often forget that it also means emotional abuse. You know why? Because the word abuse has been used in such a way that it has become synonymous with violence. But, you know what's the worst misconception though--the belief that only men are abusers.

That's right, women too emotionally abuse their partners. In fact, a study conducted in 2005 found that men and women emotionally abuse each other equally. While numerous studies have found that lesbian relationships have higher overall rates of interpersonal aggression (including psychological aggression/emotional abuse) than heterosexual or gay male relationships.

So what does emotional abuse actually mean? Well, here are five things that you might be doing that can amount to emotional abuse.Also Read: Why men take women for granted and women can't help but push them

Isolating Your Partner From Their Friends Or FamilyIf you restrict your boyfriend from spending time with their parents or friends, you are emotionally abusing him. Demanding time and support is an obvious thing in a relationship, but refusing them space or distancing them from their family isn't.

Remember the scene in Pyaar Ka Punchnama when Rajat's girlfriend mercilessly rebuked him because he lend his father money? Remember how uncomfortable it was? Exactly what we are talking about.

Being Overly-critical Of Your Partner's Hobbies, Dreams, and AchievementsDo you ever tell your partner that whatever they are doing isn't enough or that they aren't enough? You definitely need to stop.

Constructive criticism is always important for a person's overall growth. However, when you make a person feel unworthy, you marr their confidence. Constantly berating your partner for the choices they make, be it professionally or personally by saying "not good enough" is actually emotional abuse.

Also Read: Marriage turned an independent girlfriend into a clingy wife. Yes, I am blaming patriarchy for it

Not Hearing Your Partner Out is Also a Form of AbuseEverybody likes a shoulder to cry on when they are going through a difficult period of time. All relationships, especially romantic ones, require two people to share their sorrows as well as joy. However, if you are indifferent when your partner is sharing their problems, that's not right.

Suppose your boyfriend's dog just died and he wants to share his feelings with you--if you don't let him do that because you hated the damned pet, then well guess what--you're guilty of emotional abuse. People who are emotionally abusive like to stay in control and thus they constantly want the relationship's focus to be on them. If you find yourself not being able to be there for your partner, take note.

Withholding Sex Or Any Kind Of AffectionDo you often say: "If you don't start coming home on time, we're not doing it". Then yes, you are emotionally abusing him.

However, it isn't just about sex--because well that also involves consent. It is also about withholding physical, psychological, and emotional nurturing. So, if you are apathetic towards anything that's important to your partner, you might be emotionally abusing him.

Also Read: Still obsessed about your ex? 5 things you should do to ensure a clean break

Issuing Constant ThreatsLadies, we have all threatened to leave our partner or breakup with them in moments of rage. However, doing that constantly is not healthy. In fact, if you threaten to kill yourself just to win brownie points in the fight, you need to STOP now.

These threats can also be subtle, simply because it is all the matter of control. It can also be threatening to abandoning your partner-- and putting the blame on them too. Or it can also be a threat to hurt or kill yourself, while blaming your partner for it.