Lesson 1: How To Recognize an Abusive Relationship
Emotional Neglect
Emotional Neglect is not the same as emotional abuse. Emotional neglect is when a loved one ignores a person's feelings, accomplishments, and when a loved one doesn't meet a person's needs.
As children we strive for our parents attention. We want their acceptance and we need them emotionally in order to grow healthy and secure. As adults, we continue and strive for emotional attention. This is why we surround ourselves with family and friends. No matter what age or how independent we are, we as adults need an emotional connection in order to survive.
In an abusive relationship, the victim tends to meet the abuser's emotional needs. The victim is there to listen to the abuser's complaints, worries, anger, feelings, frustrations, and past dilemmas. The victim tends to compliment the abuser and praise them. The abuser is so wrapped up in his/her own feelings that they emotionally cannot be there for the victim.
The victim becomes emotionally neglected. The victim's feelings and needs are pushed to the back burner. This leaves the victim feeling lonely and isolated.
How do you know if you are being emotionally neglected?
Does your partner:
Ignore your feelings?
Listen to your feelings?
Care about your accomplishments?
Take the time to be with you?
Make plans to take you out on a date?
Go out of his/her way to make you happy? (for the right reasons)
Wants you to achieve your dreams?
Know about your dreams?
Compliment you?
Show concerns about your problems?
Show interest in your work or hobbies?
Websites
http://www.biologicalunhappiness.com/men...
http://www.aardvarc.org/child/about/emot...
