Signs of Emotional Abuse + How to Start Planning Your Exit
If you’re questioning whether it’s abuse… you already know.
No dramatics. No sugarcoating. Just clarity, strategy, and a path forward.
Sections:
1. What Emotional Abuse Actually Looks Like:
Constant gaslighting or revision of past events
Cycles of guilt, shame, and control
Weaponizing help or financial support
Public kindness, private cruelty
Isolation masked as “protection”
2. The Quiet Red Flags Most People Miss:
“You’re too sensitive” or “You always twist things”
Over-apologizing just to keep the peace
Dreading phone calls or visits
Feeling like you’re being observed, not heard
Emotional whiplash—affection, then punishment
3. Why You Feel Stuck (And Why You’re Not):
Trauma bonding is not loyalty
You’re not crazy—you’re conditioned
Guilt is a weapon; clarity is your shield
4. Planning Your Exit Route (Without Raising Alarms):
Quiet documentation: texts, timestamps, patterns
Financial prep: open a solo account, hide a small reserve
Build a soft contact network (1-2 trusted people)
Rehearse neutral responses: “I’m just tired,” “I need space,” “I’m focusing on work”
Identify safe spaces you can go when things escalate
5. You’re Not Alone—You’re Ahead of the Curve:
We built this resource because we’ve lived it
- The system wasn’t made for survivors, so we’re making one
