HOUSTON – Dr. Emily Jamea is giving tips for red flags to recognize abusive relationships.
VIOLENCE
“Even one time of any physical aggression is one too many,” Jamea said.
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
This can look like teasing or pressuring you to do things you don’t want to do.
FINANCIAL ABUSE
Financial abuse can look like not having access to your own money or accounts and you’re given budgets even when the other person buys for themselves without limitations.
LOSS OF RESPECT
“When there’s a loss of respect in general in the relationship when you don’t really hold yourself or your partner to a high standard anymore, don’t really view them as someone worthy of love and respect. That’s a big red flag,” Jamea said.
REPEATED INFIDELITY
“The majority of clients actually can work through infidelity and come out stronger in the end,” Jamea said. “But when it’s like a recurring theme and you can’t make the transition to a consensual, non-monogamous relationship, that kind of betrayal over and over again can certainly be a sign that it’s time to end the relationship.”
SOMEONE HAS AN ‘IT’S MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY’ ATTITUDE
“Then you’re probably better off taking the highway,” Jamea said.
She said healthy relationships are about collaboration.
If you need to leave, consider the following tips:
- Build a support system of family and friends to help
- If you want out, be honest and cut contact for good
- It might help to journal your emotions at this time
- Therapy can help to heal and move on
