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If this is love, why do I feel so bad?
A healthy relationship is based on trust and respect. In a
good relationship you have fun together, you feel like you can be yourself, you
can have different opinions and interests, you listen to each other, you trust
each other, you can both compromise - say you're sorry, talk arguments out and
you can spend time on your own. Sometimes abusive relationships can start just
like healthy ones - full of love, excitement and romance. Abusive relationships
have good times and bad times. this can be very confusing and painful when
there is love mixed with abuse.
Some signs of an abusive relationship are extreme jealousy,
not wanting you to be with friends, threats, name-calling, possessiveness and
shouting. It can escalate to hurting someone physically and forced sex. You may
feel nervous and scared, like you're not good enough. You may be confused and
do things you don't want to do. Someone who abuses you may also make you feel
like you are to blame for their behavior.
Remember if you are in a relationship and when someone loves
you, you must be treated with respect and feel valued and free to be yourself.
You shouldn't be made to feel intimidated or controlled. Someone who loves you
should help you feel good about yourself. No one feelings and safety are
important.
Get help if your love hurts.
If something about your relationship scares you, and you need to talk, call us: National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) Help is available in English and Spanish and many other languages. All Contact with the hotline is free and confidential. |
