Things Verbal Abusers Say and Do
What does verbal abuse sound like? The tone and content vary from abuser to abuser, but the words affect the victim in similar ways. Victims hear horrible things from their abuser and they feel small, withdrawn, angry, helpless, sad, ashamed, and a hundred other horrible emotions - sometimes all at once.
At the beginning of my abusive relationship, I felt anger and stood up for myself leading to loud, circular verbal altercations that had no solutions. Later, after coming to believe that he was my hero, my savior, and my provider, I felt stupid and wanted to fix myself so he would love me. Much later, I turned away and left the house for a while which eventually led to increased physical violence and leaving forever.
Sometimes my abuser's words hurt when he jabs and attempts to provoke me on the phone. Mainly, the memory, the countless memories of the abusive things he's said to me rear up and try to convince me that his remembered voice is my own.
This list is only a partial list of the things verbal abusers say. It's not limited to my own abusive relationship. It takes into account what others report hearing, too.
Things Verbal Abusers Say:
- "Why don't you get a job so you understand the real world? Oh, wait - I forgot - you can't get a job because you're a stupid sh!t.
- "Quit your whining and crying. You have no reason to cry or complain! Your life is perfect because I made it that way!"
- "Bitch" (and the countless other names I won't bother to list)
- "I should have left you at the club with all the other whores."
- "If you were more like my mother I could worship you."
- "I hate it when you act so pitiful. Stop the waterworks and talk like a human being."
- "I can't stand to look at you. You make me sick."
- "You're such a great actress! You know how to get what you want, don't you?"
- "I can't believe I have to come home to you every day. How did I get involved with such a train wreck?"
- "I must be the first a$$hole to love you. You don't know how to please a man!"
- "You're fat and miserable and you make me hate you."
- "You always look like God stomped on your face."
- "Why do you care what I want for dinner? My favorites taste like crap when you make them anyway."
- "You used to be as beautiful as my ex, but geesh - time hasn't been good to you, baby!"
- "Those children are mine, will always be mine, and if you leave you'll never see them again."
Things Verbal Abusers Do:
- Deny they said anything similar to the list above.
- Defend what they've said.
- Analyze what they've said out loud, explaining that the words they used do not have the definitions you seem to think they do.
- Block you in a room so you can't leave and thereby avoid what they're saying.
- Talk horribly to the television but are really speaking to you.
- Flip open their knife to open a piece of gum while looking at you under knitted brows.
- Leave to do something else at the last minute when you had plans together.
- Take you out for your best birthday ever and then wind up berating you on the way home for not appreciating their efforts enough.
- Tell your children you need more happy pills to be a good mom.
- Change the topic of the conversation so you bounce from one place to another, never getting to the core of the issue.
- Accuse you of being a whore or a dummy or a _________ so often that they no longer need to say the words but can offer up a "look" and you know what they're saying (then they may deny it).
Okay. I have to stop. My stomach is literally upset right now after digesting the utter contempt and hatred some people spew on a daily basis.
If you're still living in this nonsense, learn about detachment and how it can benefit you. Maybe in time you'll choose to leave your abuser, and maybe you'll choose to stay. No one here will judge you for staying (I've been there and it can feel hopeless!), but please work on ways to make yourself feel better in the process.
Start here:
- Walk Away From Verbal Abuse
- Justice For Abuse Survivors (scroll half way down)
You can also find Kellie on her website at Verbal Abuse Journals and can buy her books from Amazon.
*Both women and men could be abusers or victims, so do not take my pronoun choices as an implication that one gender abuses and the other is victimized.
APA Reference
Jo, K.
(2012, April 29). Things Verbal Abusers Say and Do, HealthyPlace. Retrieved
on 2024, December 26 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/verbalabuseinrelationships/2012/04/things-verbal-abusers-say-and-do
Author: Kellie Jo Holly
So many of these comments sound like my current situation and have brought me to tears. For the past year I have been in a verbally and emotionally abusive relationship with someone that meant so much to me and that I loved so dearly. We did not get off on the right foot though when we started dating, due to my own faults. He has always held this against me, but stayed with me despite of my betrayal. We hung out for a few months, sleeping together as well, and eventually I was ready to call if a relationship. He kept saying he wasn't ready, yet we hung out exclusively every weekend. This started to make me angry because enough time had past when people make the decision to be together for real. I told him multiple times I was beginning to feel like the feelings weren't mutual between us, and that I was beginning to fall in love with him even though I didn't feel that from him. We saw eachother a few days later, and he brought it up. He seemed to like the idea that I loved him, and he told me he "had love for me", but that he wasn't ready to go all out yet and wouldn't be "even if I was the most perfect woman in the world" because he moves slow. He even brought up the betrayal again, and pointed out that most guys would have dropped me already. This is how everything started, with him subtlety breaking me down due to all of my flaws. More time passed, and I eventually met his father, and he asked me to be his girlfriend, only to have him say a few days later during a texting argument that he didn't mean it. We pretty much broke things off due to this. I didn't see him for two weeks, though we kept texting. One night we had been texting eachother all day, and it seemed like maybe we were getting better and would make up. I had plans that night to go out with my friends. He told me to come over instead, but I told him I couldn't let my friends down. I was only out maybe two hours then went home because my friend felt ill. Just as I texted him saying I was going home, thinking he would want to make plans, he announced he was going out and I didn't hear from him the rest of the night. I remember sitting at home all alone crying, drinking, and chain smoking cigarettes (something I take up when I'm stressed and upset). I felt so betrayed. I texted him saying I knew he was probably with another girl. By the afternoon the next day he finally replied saying he was very hungover and sick. I offered to come take care of him but he declined. A few days later I tried being nice, saying I had hoped we could make things work, and he seemed to agree. Then he told me that he had gone out with another girl, and was starting to like her and was thinking of giving her a chance because it seemed like a better match. I again felt betrayed. We fought some more and a few days went by with no communication. Eventually we spoke again, and discussed the possibility of seeing eachother while seeing other people - like starting again. I was not too excited about the idea since I am a one at a time type person, but I understood everyone's different. I said I could probably do that, but I wouldn't want to see someone who's sleeping with other people. He said he couldn't promise that, yet I was not allowed to sleep with other guys. A few days later I went over to his place so we could talk, and because I had left clothes there. As soon as I walked in he was different. He said he had missed me and wanted to be together. So we tried to make it work. I later found out that the girl he had gone out with had actually came over that night, and was too drunk to drive home so he let her sleep over in his bed with him! But they didn't have sex? He said they only kissed good night. This is how everything started. Other horrible things he did was basically tell me I was not attractive. One time I asked him why he had never called me "hot"? Other people have in my life, but it felt strange tha he never did. His response was "do you actually think you're the hottest I've been with?". I don't think anyone's ever said such gut wrenching things to me. He described me as cute and pretty, but not hot. He also said that when he first saw my pictures before we met in person that he wasn't sure he'd be attracted to me. I wasn't really his type. He also said he preferred me with makeup on. I have also felt not good enough in his eyes. He doesn't like the clothes I wear, or my shoes. He complains that I don't get my nails done. He points out that I have a chubby neck and face because I don't have a strong jaw line. He shows me pics of girls he used to sleep with. He had pics of other girls in his phone still. He has all sorts of girls numbers in his phone, it's like the white pages. He even went to a strip club with his friend one night. He didn't tell me til he got home the next morning. Apparently one of the strippers hung out with him and his friend after at his friends apartment. He told me on April fools day that this stripper actually went down on him, but then played it off as an April fools joke. I got very upset by this, and he got mad at me for being upset. He also makes me do all the shopping, cleaning, laundry and dishes. He just plays video games. We never did anything I like. I finally just left him. We got in yet another fight, and he told me to just leave, something he has always said. He said he's sorry he gave me a chance. He called me a B and a C. He even called me a dirty B. I packed up all my stuff and left without saying goodbye. I blocked his number and social media. One year of my life. Sorry this was so long.
I'm 63 my daughter is pregnant newly divorced and says I m.ugly fat no one likes Me. She's been very loose yet I help.her out of things. I feel very used. The last straw came she work up from map verbally abused
Me then she threw my things breaking them and threw water bottle at the door. I had a mom that was like this. Verbally and physically. I'm scared she's like my mom who's schizophrenic. Don't know what to do. I don't want to b around bout I worry about baby
I have been in a relationship with my husband for 22 years. I recently left him. On this occasion we had disagreed about something. I told him to calm down and he told me I was fat. He belittled me in front of our children the next day because I didn't approach him to resolve the dispute yesterday. He called me ignorant and told me I acted and looked like a granny. The following day he told me not to buy him any birthday presents and to leave our house. He also called me fat, lazy and unfit again in front of the children.
Despite the fact he hasn't hit me, he says this latest incident wasn't that bad compared to all the others (which unfortunately is true). I have been criticised many times - just because he doesn't swear at me doesn't make it any better. I am told I'm lazy, spoiler, self-centred, rotten, cold, heartless, ungrateful, lack diligence, lack initiative, rude etc etc. funnily enough, no other person would characterise me this way. I actually work hard and am self motivated.
He also has many great qualities though and wants me to give him another chance. He has actually listened to my concerns, apologised for the harm caused and sought counselling for himself. He has given me space and behaved more respectably towards me.
However I am in two minds and not sure whether to take the risk. Not sure if these people really change. It's harder to leave again especially if they improve but still disrespectful. I also have support and a place to live at the moment. Alternatively I do get along with the nice side of him and don't want to not be with my children for potentially half their life!
Would appreciate advice, views from others.
If he is truly changing, he will respect your desire to separate for awhile. Tell him that you need time to heal, and the feeling of walking on eggshells (even though he is improving himself) is causing you anxiety. Remind him that he has been nice to you before, and you love that side of him, but you need greater space. If he doesn't respect your desire, then he is not changing.
Take the opportunity to move into the other place. Give yourself some breathing room. If he truly wants to change, he will do it without you in the home, too.
BTW, he tells you you're bad at the things you do best because those things we're good at typically give us pleasure, self-esteem and happiness. He lies to you about who you are to destroy those things. Happy people are very difficult to control.
As for the children, I'm guessing you've tried to protect them from the worst of his abuse. If you are not with them some of the time, they will eventually see their father for who he is. When they're old enough to choose, the 1/2 time stuff can end. I was heartbroken, devastated when the judge gave primary custody to my ex. However, over time, I began to see the benefits. For example, one day my ex dropped off my youngest son. My son came in the door, closed it, leaned against it, sighed and said, "Finally! Some peace!" That's when I knew things were going to be okay. I provided my boys something they could not get from their father - peace, encouragement, space to breathe, an opportunity to be themselves.
That's my advice. Take care of yourself during this time. If you have a chance to separate, use it.
Literally around this time last year I was forced on and abused and used by a Bangladesh man. He was clever whenever something told me to hold back he'd sent romantic texts and call me and tell me how much he loved me, until he tried to have sex with me, and he couldn't penetrate me. And then it was, "why are you getting so upset? This is natural don't take it so seriously." oh, and how we broke up, I'd stupidly thought id fallen for him and I told him. He responded by using me like a cheap whore and then rejecting me.
The thing that hurts the most though is this experience happened right at a time when these men are fleeing these countries. friends, even celebrities I've admired since I was nineteen are constantly saying we need to let these men in, we have to help them, right. A western woman is basically raped and cruelly told that she's a worthless whore and she's a cunt for not wanting those men here? You call it islamaphobia i call it slut shaming and victim blaming rolled into one.
The father of my kids has said almost everything on that list. I dont work because I have 3 small daughters and will have to pay Alot of childcare. So he constantly tell me I'm worthless, bad mom, and a piece of you know what. I try not to let him get to me but he does. During my pregnancy he would tell me horrible things and after was worse. I believe I have fallen into depression and at one point even tried to end my life because I was starting to believe what he said was true. I try to reason with him but he hurts me emotionally and I cry. I ask him why he says those things to me he responds by telling me it's all my fault l. Is there a way I can get through to him or is it a failing cause?
If you could get through to him, you could have done it the first time you reasoned with him. Abuse is not about reason, it's about control. Get treatment for your depression and contact the NDVH at http://thehotline.org. It's time to go.
I've been with my bf for 3 yrs now.hes 33 and I'm 38, i Do love him with all my heart but first yr he moved in to my home and it was all good for a little while instill he would shrw me no emotions. And never would tell me he loved me first ever so i started looking on chatlines for someone to say the words that i wanted him to say to me. Ur beautiful, sexy , i would love to have u has my gf But i was getting it from chatlines Instead Of him well my bf find out that i was on the chatlines. And down the line i find out that he was on chatlines too .i wouldn't tell the hole truth to him about my x bf my baby's dad that i was dropping off the kids cause he would tell me that i was wrong for being so nice to him .ok i understand some of it but everyday i got told that i was cheating with his friends or family members on his side. i would tell him not true i would never cross that line im not like that at all . i don't know what to do anymore. Getting very sick and everyday i don't talk to him cause i don't want to fight with him so i stay away maybe im wrong for staying away but i hate fighting with him .we don't. Sleep in the same room any more cause he has kicked me out to many times so i just say fuck it any more not kissing his ass and put all my stuff back in the room for him to kick me out again so now i stay in the other room .what should i do i dropped all my friends cause he says they r no good i have 2 girl friends left that i still talk to i don't even see my side of my family cause they hate him and don't want nothing to do with him cause of all the past history between me and him . so all i have left is my kids that aren't his and he fights in front of them with me so i just walk away so we don't fight in front of them . i fell in love with him never had fallen in love with anyone like i did with him this is so hard to leave him been through alot with him in the pasted 3 yrs .i just don't know what to do anymore going crazy trying to fix this relationship please help me find the right thing to do
Leave him. It takes two people who want to change a relationship for it to change. He doesn't want to change himself and he doesn't want to change the relationship for the better. Look at your lifetime: how long is three years, really? Not long. Get out so you can find yourself, learn to love yourself, and make a healthy home for your children.
Hell no these abusers know what they do many of them are narcissist or sociopaths who could careless the pain and suffering they inflict on others. I would say all of them not most get off on hurting others because they are sadistic. Not one of these abuser deserve understanding of why they do it or love period!!!!!
I've been married for 20 years, my husband had turned verbally abusive when his grandfather died 4 years ago. He just calls me some awful words when he's drunk or upset with me. Can he be removed from the house if he's business is ran from the garage?
Omg. I am a man, my wife calls me an abusive husband. I complain about the filth we live in. I work long hrs. We do have children. Therefor i understand what it takes to care for small children(I was a stay at home dad for 5 years). I love my wife. I really really do. After she started calling Me abusive. I started reading articles
and reasearching abuse. As i read this list above. Im shocked. Never have i berated my wife. I dont call her names. I dont tell her shes worthless. I have no regrets marrying her. These are the things says and does to me. Im to blame for everything. Im far from perfect. Ive made mistakes.ive excepted responsibility for my mistakes. Never has she. I wish i had hidden. Cameras in the house so people could see the truth. I feel like im the one being gaslighted. Please help. My marriage depends on it. I dont want to lose her
Please see a professional- you need help and that, in turn, may help her - or at least, maybe you can then safely convince her to see what she's doing.
If I disagree, get upset about anything, or express a different opinion than my husband has... he more often than not ends up raging and yelling "f*** you you f***ing b****" and storms out. I never swear at him, and I have told him dozens of time that it hurts me so much when he calls me that. I've even said that it feels like he's sticking a knife in me when he calls me that. I basically just feel numb afterwards. This doesn't happen often, because I try to avoid any conflict by just agreeing with him, or not saying anything at all. If I get upset and express my feelings , he says things like "settle" (isn't this what people say to their dog?) ... or "you're out of control". He gets mad if I don't walk the right way, which means right next to him and I feel like he wants me to "heel" like a dog. Last night he got mad I didn't walk exactly where or how he wanted me to and said I had "crossed his line"...? What's made me so upset today is that last night my 18 yr old son disagreed with him and was expressing his opinion on how a sport is played. After a minute of discussion - there wasn't yelling involved at all.. my husband raises his voice and yells "F***" at our son! I was sitting right next to both of them! For a moment, no one said anything... my husband then just started to talk like nothing happened.. I decided it was time to stand up to him... I said "hold on! that was uncalled for. Our son is entitled to have different opinions than you and he's entitled to express them. He wasn't trying to hurt you or anyone. What you said was wrong!". He looks at me, not our son, and says angrily "Sorry". He never looked at our son an sincerely said sorry. Our son, replied calmly and sincerely. "I'm sorry too..." and then a long, long, period of silence started. I was so upset, but didn't say anything. I went to bed early and this morning I told my husband that I was disappointed and upset about how he reacted last night. His reply "He (our son) was out of line"! what? for expressing his opinion? I said "He can express his opinion, and if it's different than yours, too bad. He wasn't trying to hurt you. But you hurt him by yelling at him. That's unacceptable. He said "out of line" a few more times.... I am so angry right now this is all I can think about.
Oh my God, please leave this horribly abusive man if you have somewhere to go. I am so sorry this is happening to you. I hope you find a solution, you will never be happy walking on eggshells for the rest of your life. Praying for you.
I'm living your nightmare as well except i have been married for 16 yrs and it hasn't stopped. I have been called every derogatory name you can imagine. Sit hurts like hell and it makes you love him a little less each time. Get out if u can.
I probably won't see these reply's but I felt I needed to talk to someone, anyone about what has been happening to me.. I'm 21 years old and my fiance is 22 we have been together since we were 15 years old. We have always had small fights, but several months ago I started talking to this girl from my job, we never had sex but it was an emotional affair that could have turned into something more. Anyways he found out and wanted me to quit, but I was the only one working at the time so I didn't quit immediatly. I ended up quiting and trying to stay with him and make things better because I genuinely love him so much. But the the anger started, and at first I was like okay I deserve this completely I really hurt him bad. It's been 3 months or so and it has progressively gotten worse. He calls me a w***e and a s**t, and things similar that I don't feel comfortable telling strangers because it's too painful. He has call me a lazy fata$$, a stupid b***h, and things like I don't love you anymore and good luck finding anyone that will deal with you. He has told me he hates coming home to me and being near me. This has all put me in a deep depression that I can't climb out of, and he's even mad at me for being depressed, saying things like you're pathetic and you suck the life out of every room you walk into, everyone hates you, and I'm embarrassed to take you in public. I think the worst part is he never says sorry just explains why he thinks it's okay to make me feel small and destroy any self confidence, self worth, or dignity I have left. I know I hurt him but I want to feel loved and wanted again so badly but he hates me. I feel like I love him too much to leave but he doesn't see or doesn't care how bad he is hurting me. It seems the more I tell him I need him or miss him he pushes me further away. I feel desperate for his affection to feel accepted, but all I get is shut down and berated when I try to talk about feelings. I know you will tell me to leave but I can't for some reason he has this sad hold on me I'm his willing prisoner. I just need him so bad, I feel so guilty and sad that I ruined our life and I'm worried we will never be happy again. I just miss him so bad I miss who he was I can't stop crying because I destroyed the only good thing I had left in my life now I'm feeling alone and broken.
Hi Sonja,
Well done for speaking out about what's happening to you. Your situation sounds eerily familiar — in fact, it is the exact situation I found myself in five years ago. Firstly, know you are not to blame for how he is treating you. I'm not surprised you sought an emotional connection with someone outside of your relationship, given the way he is withholding affection and verbally and emotionally abusing you. The things he is saying to you are dreadful and you don't deserve to be spoken to that way by someone who is supposed to love you, regardless of whether you have emotionally or physically been unfaithful.
I can't tell you to leave your partner, even if I think that is what you should do. Trust me, I know how hard this is. I put up with this kind of behavior for years and waited until he left me. I had no dignity left and could barely remember who I was. I don't want that to happen to you, Sonja.
But know this: this relationship you're describing, it's not love. A loving relationship is mutually respectful and supportive. You will never get what you need from this man. Also, you're not crazy, and don't let him manipulate you into thinking you are. My previous partner convinced me I had all kinds of psychological issues when we were together, but it wasn't true. Remember the real "you" underneath — you will need her.
You can always come to this site for support. I'm a new blogger for HealthyPlace and I'm going to be writing about a lot of the struggles you've described. You can find me here.
Good luck, and big hugs. You can do this.
My boyfriend is in his late 40s and I'll be 20 soon. He calls me a narcissistic, attention wh**e, and is always accusing me of lying and/or cheating. He can make me feel like the greatest person on the plant. And then lower than dirt the next. If I don't reply to a text or answer everytime he calls, he gets extremely upset. He says my entire generation are narcissists. If I tell him how this makes me feel either by getting upset or calmly explaining it always ends up my fault. I've tried to talk to him. But I feel like there's no changing his mind ever. So what should I do?
Hi Jade,
Sorry to hear you're going through this. What you're describing is a classic emotional abuse situation. I have been in your position and learned that there is nothing you can do within the relationship to change an abuser's behavior. You — the closest person to him — are the perfect scapegoat for his own issues, and the person he will project all of his mistrust on to.
I know that leaving the relationship feels impossible, but you may come to realize that this is the only way you'll be able to feel like yourself again. My experience was very similar to yours, and I felt like my life wasn't worth living when the relationship ended. A few weeks without him in my life made all the difference: I finally felt free to be myself for the first time in years and went on to meet my fiancé, who treats me with respect and love 100% of the time. That is the kind of relationship we all deserve, not one in which we're constantly walking on eggshells.
This article will give you some guidance on where to go from here, and how to go about finding support.
My fiance and I have been together a little over a year now. And in the beginning we both would call each other names,we'll he has asked me to stop and I have but yet he won't stop calling get me names. I'm not sure what to do. I love him to death and would do everything and anything for him. I don't understand... Am I not good enough or does he do this cut he wants me to leave or he wants to leave I'm so hurt and confused right now Idk what to do say at this point. I love him to pieces he's my angel from above he took me out a bad situation and bow he's starting to do simular things my soon to be ex husband did.
The man who lives with me has a bad temper. I thought it was my fault for a long time. We have been together two years and he flies off the handle and blames me. Like a couple days ago I texted him one message while he was at work and he blew up and still is mad. He says he hates me and calls me a stupid b**** and even says he hates my kids, thankfully they are grown. He got drunk a couple months ago and came home and hit me so many times in my arm that I had bruises for almost a month. Then he can be a loving man and its like nothing happened but he always says I made him do it. He always threatens to leave me. I feel like even if he leaves it won't solve the problem. What about the next woman he abuses?
My Husband and I have been together for almost 10 years now. We have beautiful children. He was the first man I had ever been with sexually. He calls me names and downgrades me constantly. I have been going through this for a very long time. I recently found out that he has been cheating on me as well. I kicked him out. He was only gone a week and I begged him to come back. So he did. He didnt do it for me tho he did it for our kids. I really just dont understand why I cant let him go. Why everything is just so hard for me. I finished high school and moved in with him right away. I'm about to be 28 years old and still have done absoulutly nothing with my life. When he left I felt like everything was my fault. I begged and pleaded for him to come back. I'm so stupid!! since he has came back NOTHING has gotten better. I have tried but nothing is ever good enough he has no remorse for what he has done and he is making my life really hard right now. He keeps calling me a stupid F****** C*** over and over. He lays in bed and plays games on his phone and he laughs like he has no worries. I dont know what to do anymore. I love him but more so I love the man he used to be. I dont know if he ever really loved me.
I have been with my husband for 10 years. He has cheated on me several times. He corners me and verbally attacks me. He acts like he is going to hit me. He tells me I front of our children that I am a f***ing bilplar B** ch and a horrible mother. He tells me he is the only one that works to give me the life I have. But if I get a job it has to be on his schedule. I feel hopeless I don't want to take my kids from him. But I can't take any more.
Misty - I'm being hypocritical, but plan your departure soon.
I have been with my husband for 10 years. He has cheated on me several times. He corners me and verbally attacks me. He acts like he is going to hit me. He tells me I front of our children that I am a f***ing bilplar B** ch and a horrible mother. He tells me he is the only one that works to give me the life I have. But if I get a job it has to be on his schedule. I feel hopeless I don't want to take my kids from him. But I can't take any more.
Hello Anonymous,
I'm so sorry to hear about what you're going through. The situation you're in sounds like it could be dangerous. Consider calling one of the domestic violence helplines on our Help and Resources page -- these are people who can help you when you feel stuck and don't know where to turn. It may also be worth contacting a lawyer so you can plan for the financial implications of leaving your husband (if that's what you plan to do). Please continue to use this site for support and reach out to others when you can. Good luck to you.
Emma x
My father is at the end stages of early onset Alzheimers and is only 63. I moved back in with my parents after 13 years because my father requires 24 care, and I promised him that he would not end up in a nursing home. So now I work from home and so does my mom so that we can take care of my father. My father is priority, but for three years now at least 2-3 times a week I get blamed for his Alzheimers by my mother. I get called everything but my name, and am told on a daily basis how sorry I am and that this world and her life would be better if I was gone. There is a lot of other things she says that I don't think are appropriate to even type. When she starts in on me I listen and keep my mouth shut and when I have had enough I will walk away or go sit outside and bring my dad with me. It seems like walking away makes it worse and when I agree with her about how sorry and pathetic I am it makes the situation worse. I have thought about just leaving and going my own way, but then I think of my dad and how selfish it would be for me to leave. These verbal attacks are the reason I left home in the first place and was almost the reason my dad divorced my mom. Faith and prayer has brought contentment to me and I can tell it's rubbing off on my dad as well, but the attacks still hurt. Its like if someone day after day keeps telling you that you are worthless and that your birth was the biggest mistake, sooner or later you start to wonder if it's true. I do get scared sometimes that she is just going to loose it all one day and hurt me or my dad, but that is just a "what if" at the moment. I know not everyone is religious but I always refer to the book of Romans chapter 12 verses 9-21, it helps me, maybe it can help someone who reads this comment. No matter what anyone does or says always be quick to forgive and love with an attitude of gratitude in any situation. All the abuse and hate in this world will never conquer love. God bless!
I just got called a f****ng idiot by my fiancé of 7 years in front of my 20 year old college kid home for three weeks. The house flooded due to her forgetting the water was running in the sink. Previously, her and I argued. He says it was my fault because we often argue and i should leave her alone; if I would've have left her alone she wouldn't have been frazzled and forgotten that the water was running in the sink. The house is a mess! He told her don't worry about it, but hasn't said much to me. I asked what I could do, but he basically implies not to worry about it. He's been a fiancé this long for a reason, right?! Lol! Finding humor even with a wounded heart.
Hello MB Ladi,
Relationships are so challenging, and people can often say things in the moment that they don't really mean, or that they will later regret. Have you managed to talk to your fiancé about how his comment made you feel? I recommend you read my post, The Difference Between Arguments and Verbal Abuse, and watch out for other verbally abusive behavior.
Good luck! Emma x
My husband of 4 months, together for 5 years, constantly verbally abuses me, raises his hand at me like he will hit me. He calls me harsh words and berates me everyday. A part of me wants to leave but invested so long I don't have the strength to leave. We don't have any children and while I was trying to get pregnant, I am not actively trying now He will call me trash, tell me my nursing job is not good enough and he makes the real money. Says he wants me out of his house and that I don't deserve to live there. Says my mouth is the reason he hates me because I tell the truth and try not to accept what he says to me. I never say a word to him because I don't want to trigger him, i walk around on eggshells and here I am his doormat. I let him treat me like crap and beat me down to feeling worthless. I sometimes want to die and makes me feel everyone would be better off if I did. I'm so unhappy but cannot face the shame and embarrassment of leaving him. We don't have sex, he won't touch me, he won't say a kind word to me. I feel like I married the devil. I need help but don't know to get it.
Hi Kelli,
Thank you for your comment, and well done for speaking out about what you're going through. My heart goes out to you because your situation sounds terribly familiar. There was a time when I thought I was pregnant by my abusive ex-partner, and now that I'm free of him I thank the universe every day that didn't happen. Since then, I became engaged to a wonderful, caring man and we had a child of our own. Even so, I find motherhood challenging at times, and without a supportive partner by my side I would have struggled even more. I know it is not my place to say, but please think twice before you bring a child into the world with this man. If he abuses you, there is a high chance he will abuse your children. Parenting is wonderful, but it really tests your patience and resolve. This can be dangerous for those who are used to being in control; babies and children are so unpredictable.
Please consider opening up to someone about your relationship. Whatever he makes you believe, the way he treats you is not OK. I know it feels shameful and embarrassing to admit what's been going on, but trust me: you're not the only one.
i would recommend talking to a trusted friend or family member and getting someone on your side to help you with the next step. You should also research some domestic violence helplines and organizations where you live and get in touch with one of those. It's also worth contacting a counsellor or therapist who is specially trained to help victims of domestic violence. Those are the first steps to take. I know it can feel overwhelming, but you can do it. It's not an easy journey, but it's definitely one worth making.
Good luck!
Emma
After reading all this I'm literally crying because my husband does so many of these things. Im 21 and this is my first marriage, he's 45 and this is his 7th. I love him but like not an hour ago he told me go "get the f*&k out! Why don't you bail like you always Do! I f(*king hate you!" That's all I get.. I get called stupid, I get told how horrible and lazy I am. I get told how I'm all these horrible names and I make his life hard. When I cry he goes 'awwwwwww is your p%*sy hurt? Stop acting you don't have any feelings!" Then he says it's all my fault. Years before i met him i was severely beaten and raped, my husband tells me i need to go back to my rapist, he tells me my rapist needed to just finish the job. How if i try to get help my husband will either beat me or kill me... I don't know what to do...
:( i feel your pain i need to get out of my verbal and emtional relationship. Its starting to affect our 3 yr old son. Im currently pregnant with baby number 2 hes comming next month and im afraid i know hes not going to help me at all like he never helped with our 3 yr old... he called me a whore today just to say it because i told him im unhappy how he yells at me all the time. Sped down the road with our son in the car. Lord knows i want out.
That’s horrible sometimes I worry about having kids with my husband as he thinks I’m a b***h all the time but I’m not I just ask questions. Even to people just to clarifiy. It used to be if you don’t like my wife there’s something wrong with you. Now I am the one who gets the short end of the stick. I’m always in trouble and always at fault.
Danielle, That's awful! I'm so sorry. I feel so sick that you're dealing with that while you're pregnant. Hang in there! And I know how scary it can be to weigh the options of leaving with the realization that you're signing up to be a single parent... it can be a very real reason to hold anyone back from leaving. I was a single mom of twin babies for 2 years, and although it had it's own set of challenges, I was the happiest I'd ever been and I found myself again, I learned to like and appreciate myself again. You and your babies deserve a happy life, a stable life, and to feel loved and treasured always. Again, I'm so sorry for your struggles. -Emily
I’m 23 my husband is 60. He can be so charming and sweet. He is attractive for his age. But he has called me a stupid b**** and has said he hates me. He has called me a prostitute, lesbian, stripper and all tours of things. I have sinned in my past. But I’m so hurt that he still holds things over my head. I really love and respect but it literally feels like my heart and chest are being cut when he says harsh things to me. Christ said husbands are to live your wives. Where is the love?
My husband calls me names and blames anything he does on my attitude, apparently standing up for myself and our son means I have an attitude, I've opened up a secret account in my sons names and I'm working hard to save enough to leave as I have a home business, but it's taking awhile. He's hit me before and now since we had our son he threatens too. He grabs at my body one min then calls me names the next. I don't like him touching me nor do I think I love him at all anymore. I'm scared to leave but more scared to stay.
Michelle, I'm really impressed with your resilience, it can be so hard to stand up to someone abusive. I'm also impressed you're taking measures to develop a safe exit plan. How are you doing? I see you left this comment mid-October, I hope you and your son are well. Hang in there! You can do this! -Emily
I've been with my boyfriend for 5 yrs. When we first met I was a nurse and in school to become an nursing aenethasis I had only 6 months before graduation and was diagnosed with Kidney Disease and then hit with fibromyalgia. He was ok with it at first but this is going onto the second year. I get called a stupid bitch, simple cunt, worthless, lazy, not a real woman, a pig, thst i need 2 scales to weigh on- i gained some weight this year due to meds, he can do much better, there are so many prettier women etc..i could go on forever. I'm not on disability tho my long term people have me applying but as of right now i have no income. He is the only income. I'm dealing with it the best I can snd i cane aross this site. Even if I can't do anything yet it feels good not to be judged. I was s very independent woman. I have no children because I was too focused on my career so having to depend on someone else especially this person is almost more than i can take
Summer, I'm so sorry for your unfortunate circumstance! Wow, you really have your plate full considering everything you're going through. Those are terrible names to be called, no one needs to hear that kind of garbage, especially with what you've been coping with. I hope everything goes well with your application, that may be a real help. Your life doesn't have to stay this way and it sounds like you know this. Here are a couple articles I think may interest you: Verbal Abuse Coping Skills for When You Can't Just Leave, Reasons to Leave A Verbally Abusive Relationship, Ending Verbal Abuse, 5 Steps To Take.
I hope those are helpful! Also, I'm really glad you reached out, please do so anytime! Hang in there, Summer! Thanks, Emily
Another thing according to him I can't even do the dishes right. He will litteraly redo them or tell me not to because im too stupid to do them. Just tonight he asked me to cook but said nevermind you will mess that up too. I'm not sure why I'm dealing with this am I just used to it? He later says oh what i say when I'm mad doesn't count.
One day, you will realize you deserve to be treated with love and respect. Abusive people don't miraculously change into decent humans. An abuse support group can help you gain strength and knowledge. You are not alone. So many women and men in relationships like yours. I was, too. I never realized I had a choice to stay or go. Whatever you choose is up to you. I do urge a support group and/or therapy. Much love.
Yea, what a cop-out. He sounds like he has a ton of issues. Hang in there, girl! If you're able to start working on a safe exit strategy, go for it! If you're not ready, that's okay too. Just remember you deserve to be valued and no one can define you.
I just found this website what if your abuser is a family member, I’ve taken both verbal and physical abuse for 36 years. Yesterday I blew up. I felt awesome at the time but then realize I didn’t want to become that person either. Now this abuser is starting to abuse my husband and children as well. What do I do? I’ve already moved away, but their still family and every time we see them it starts. :(
Hi April,
Thank you for your comment -- I am so glad you found us here at HealthyPlace. it's true that abuse from a family member can be especially hurtful and difficult to deal with, so you have my sympathy. I would suggest you try to move on from your "blow up" and forgive yourself for your entirely natural response to your family member's abuse. What this person is doing to you is dangerous, and he or she needs to be called out on it.
Next time you're together, sit this person down and explain that while you're sorry for the way you reacted, his or her behavior was absolutely unacceptable and you won't be standing for it any longer.
Yes, this person is family, but you still need to set boundaries -- especially when there are children involved. However painful it is, tell your abuser that unless he or she can change, you won't be able to spend time together anymore, that you're not willing to put yourself or your husband and children at risk. Suggest counseling, but don't take ownership of this person's problems: they're not yours to deal with.
If this person truly values your feelings, he or she will take action to try and repair the relationship by getting help. If not, there is nothing you can do but walk away and explain to the other members of your family that from now on, you and this abusive family member won't be able to attend the same events. It may be difficult, but any situation where you're in physical danger is not worth pursuing, family or not. Good luck.
April, Check out my article on Coping with Verbal Abuse When You Can't Just Leave, it was written with family in mind. Hang in there! Reach out anytime!! -Emily
I get called a b**ch a prostitute a dumba** whore. A retard . I get called fat . I was told by him I'm not worth his investment. He always says he could hit me and in the blink of an eye I'd be dead cause of how strong he is. He humiliates me in public. He watches porno . he don't like me buying myself anything . he always tells me I owe him . he makes me feel like I'm the problem .. I've been with him for 6 years .. It used to not be like that but of course they never really say who they truly are in the beginning .. I have to sleep alone . he's always looking at other women .. Rapping about women's private parts in front of my face .. He makes fun of me .. Saying I look like a dude when I want to feel comfortable I always have to wear makeup . I had to get rid of my dogs he doesn't want to marry me or have children . I feel like I get treated like a slut . just yesterday after intercourse .. He didn't give me a hug or a kiss nothing he's playing his video game and told me good job .. I cry most the time from feeling insecure depressed stressed all of the above emotions .. I don't know how to leave .. I always keep coming back I want this to be the time I finally walk away