Anger/Emotional Abuse via Love Is Respect.org

The following Video Diary depicts a common type of abuse teens may experience in relationships – anger/emotional abuse. This is characterized by someone putting you down, making you feel bad about yourself, name calling, playing mind games, humiliation, making you feel guilty or making you think you are crazy.

Natalie’s boyfriend Mike is mean, makes fun of her and calls her names. These are all red flags of an unhealthy relationship. View the video and read our peer advocate advice on addressing this situation after the jump.





Peer Advocate Advice:

Relationships should feel good, and no one deserves a boyfriend or girlfriend who makes them feel bad. It’s a really difficult place to be in when you really like your boyfriend or girlfriend but don’t like the way they treat you.

And it’s hard to know how to support a friend in the same situation, but remember that listening to your friend, believing them and refraining from badmouthing their crush will show you care.

You can tell your friend that they should never be made to feel embarrassed, humiliated, or guilty by their partner. If you see a friend going through this, try mentioning it in a caring way. Let them know in a non-judgmental way that you are worried about them and that they can talk to you about what they are going through.

Natalie’s boyfriend is mean, makes fun of her and calls her names. Those are red flags of an unhealthy relationship.
When a boyfriend or girlfriend embarrasses you, humiliates you, puts you down, or makes you feel guilty all the time, it can be really hurtful and damaging.

There’s no excuse for anyone to use anger or emotional abuse to get what they want, and it’s never your fault if they do.

If you feel you might be in an unhealthy relationship, remember there is no reason to feel any shame. This can happen to anyone. We hear from smart and successful people all the time. Don’t blame yourself – it is not your fault.
You might think that if you just change the way you are that you can fix the relationship – but sometimes no matter what you do, the other person won’t change.

Also, remember you have options. You have the right to be in any relationship or the right to end a relationship. It may not be easy to end an unhealthy relationship so contact us if you want to talk about it.