Not all abuse is physical: 10 signs you may be in an emotionally abusive relationship

Nothing is more damaging to your confidence or self esteem than being in an emotionally abusive relationship. Emotional abuse can be subtle - sometimes so subtle, and so manipulative, you don't even know it's happening to you. It is easy to become to accustomed to a pattern of mistreatment, that you find ways of coping with it, and this can mean you are in denial about the fact that it is happening to you at all.

Verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, constant criticism, intimidation, shaming - any of these sound familiar to you?

Take a moment to think about you and your partner - here are 10 signs you may be in an emotionally abusive relationship:-

1. Your partner puts you down or humiliates you in front of other people;
2. Your partner accuses you of being "too sensitive";
3. Your partner corrects you all the time and treats you like a child;
4. Your partner does not show you any empathy or compassion;
5. Your partner does not notice or does not care about your feelings;
6. Your partner calls you names;
7. Your partner regularly points out your flaws and shortcomings;
8. Your partner makes you feel like they are always right and you are always wrong;
9. Your partner neglects you and makes you feel unwanted;
10. Your partner denies his or her controlling behaviour when confronted.

All relationships are different, and dynamics can vary from couple to couple, but don't make the mistake of reassuring yourself that any of the above behaviour is "normal". If any of the ten things in the list above are happening to you on a regular basis, then you are in a toxic relationship which may be damaging your health and wellbeing. Consider discussing these issues with your partner, or confiding in a close friend or family member. And look out for advice on dealing with toxic relationships in our series running all of this week.