How to Stand for What’s Right in Your Marriage

Do you feel safe in your marriage?

If a spouse is physically violent, then the situation is definitely unsafe. But sometimes it can be hard to know you are in an unsafe or abusive situation if there aren’t any physical signs. Psychology Today shares the following:

“If you’re wondering if your relationship is abusive, it probably is. Emotional abuse, distinct from physical violence (including shoving, cornering, breaking and throwing things, etc.), is speech and/or behavior that’s [belittling], controlling, punishing, or manipulative. Withholding love, communication, support, or money are indirect methods of control and maintaining power. Passive-aggressive behavior is covert hostility. The passive-aggressor is “a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

To dig a little deeper, ask yourself these questions: Do you feel like you’re always wrong? Does your spouse tell you what to do? Do you feel berated, threatened, or manipulated? Does your spouse make you do things you don’t want to do? Do you feel uncomfortable around your spouse? Does your spouse control every penny you spend? Does your spouse make you feel guilty? Are you afraid of being home? Is time at home with your spouse a time of rest or aggressive tension? Does your spouse try to control who you meet with and talk to? In fights, is your spouse attacking your character?

If some of this feels a bit too familiar, you may be in an unsafe or abusive situation.

Here are some steps you can take…