Warning Signs of an unhealthy dating relationship

Top 10 warning signs you are in an unhealthy relationship

1. criticism of your appearance and attempting to control your appearance
2. verbally abusive (this is not normal), blames you for his outbursts lack of direct accountability for choice of words and explosive reactions.
3. constantly keeping track of what you do and who you see
4. he is extremely jealous or possessive
5. mind games, (denial, lying, deceit, twisting of your or their words, and accusations), make you feel like you are going crazy.
6. The "bad days" outnumber the good days.
7. Any physical violence or intimidation or threats to harm himself during disagreements
8. emotionally abusive- belittles you, puts you down.
9. No longer see your friends or family often.
10. Your relationship with him is unpredictable. You feel like you are walking on eggshells. You have to becareful what you say or do around him to prevent outbursts.

Top 5 warning signs that someone you know is in an unhealthy relationship:

1. Isolated, doesn’t come around you or close family or friends as often
2. Emotionally unstable, (crying often, defending partner, etc.)
3. Physical signs: sweaters in hot weather, bruises, scratches.
4. She is constantly keeping track of time, checking text messages, phoning boyfriend, when around you.
5. You feel like she is being brainwashed

When I was in an unhealthy relationship about a couple of months into the relationship I knew something was wrong, but it took almost 2 more years for me to break away and educate myself on unhealthy and abusive relationships. It was hard for me to see my then relationship as abusive because my ex-boyfriend didn't hit me. However I learned about emotional and verbal abuse through reading various books, (which I will list in a separate post), and web research. I got out before the relationship got worse and turned into physical violence.


Why wait until you are hit, punched or slapped? Why allow someone to belittle you or put you through mind games? You do not need him, you are not responsible for his behavior, you deserve better!

 The first video features Katie Couric speaking with Jane Randel. I met Jane Randel, Vice President of Corporate Communications of Liz Claiborne, in 2008, when I spoke at an event held by the National counsel of Jewish Women-New York chapter. In this video targeted to parents,  speaks to Katie Couric about how parents can potentially identify dating violence amongst their children.

Second video features young ladies who discuss their past unhealthy relationships. This video is a must see!

For more information on dating abuse visit http://www.teensagainstabuse.org/ or http://www.loveisrespect.org/