Is emotional abuse really abuse? I mean, they don’t hit me. I don’t have bruises or broken bones. They just talk mean to me! Or they just invalidate me, over and over. Or they just ignore me and refuse to talk to me for days on end.
My verbally abusive husband once said to me, “How can I be a bad husband? I have never hit you.” Really? That is your measuring stick. I’ve never tried to run you over with the car. Does that make me a good wife? I would like to think that we have higher standards and expectations than this!
Abuse is defined as cruel treatment. It is defined by physical contact. Emotional abuse is just as bad as if he/she punched you in the face. It is a punch to your heart, to your soul. It is cruel treatment, and it leaves scars. Just because the bruises and scars are internal does not mean that they are not there. In fact, the internal wounds often take much longer to heal because they are so much harder to see.
So yes, it is abuse! It counts, and you can absolutely stand up against it. You can and should stand up for your feelings. You can walk away if you choose. Your feelings matter!! Your feelings count!!