12 Sneaky Forms of Psychological Abuse to Watch Out For

Ever felt like something’s not quite right in a relationship, but you can’t put your finger on it? Well, you’re not alone. Psychological abuse is like a sneaky monster that hides in plain sight. It’s not always as apparent as yelling or hitting, but it can be just as harmful.

In this article, I’ll discuss 12 tricky ways people can mess with your head without you even realizing it. Whether it’s a partner, friend, or family member, these sneaky tactics can really hurt your feelings and lower your self-esteem.

Gaslighting

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This is when someone makes you doubt your own memory or sanity. They might say things like, “That never happened” or “You’re imagining things.” Over time, you start to question your own thoughts and feelings. It’s like they’re trying to rewrite your reality. Gaslighting can make you feel confused and unsure of yourself.

Silent Treatment

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Some people use silence as a weapon. They might ignore you for hours or even days when they’re upset. This leaves you feeling anxious and confused about what you did wrong. The silent treatment is a way to punish you without actually saying anything. It can make you feel lonely and unimportant.

Guilt-Tripping

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This is when someone makes you feel bad for things that aren’t your fault. They might say things like, “If you really loved me, you’d do this.” Or they blame you for their unhappiness. Guilt-tripping is a way to control you by making you feel responsible for their feelings. It can make you always feel like you’re not doing enough.

Constant Criticism

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Some people always find something wrong with what you do. They might pick on your appearance, your work, or your choices. Even when you do well, they focus on tiny mistakes. This constant criticism can really hurt your self-esteem. Over time, you might start to believe you can’t do anything right.

Name-Calling

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This isn’t just for kids on the playground. Adults can do it too, but in sneakier ways. They might use “pet names” that are actually insults. Or they might call you “too sensitive” when you get upset. Name-calling, even if it seems like a joke, can really hurt your feelings. It’s a way to put you down and make you feel small.

Moving the Goalposts

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This is when someone keeps changing what they want from you. Just when you think you’ve done what they asked, they add something new. It’s like trying to score in a game where the goal keeps moving. This can make you feel like you’re never good enough. You might end up always trying to please them but never succeeding.

Withholding Affection

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Some people use love and affection like a reward. They might be super loving one day, then cold the next. They only show affection when you do exactly what they want. This up-and-down behavior can make you feel confused and unloved. You might find yourself always trying to earn their love.

Playing the Victim

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This person always makes themselves out to be the one who’s hurt. Even when they do something wrong, they find a way to make it about how they’re suffering. They might say things like, “Look what you made me do.” This can make you feel like you’re always the bad guy. You might end up constantly apologizing for things that aren’t your fault.

Backhanded Compliments

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These are compliments that are actually insults in disguise. For example, “You look nice today. I guess you finally decided to make an effort.” Or, “You’re smart for someone who didn’t go to college.” These comments can leave you feeling both good and bad at the same time. They’re a sneaky way to put you down while pretending to be nice.

Controlling Behavior

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This person tries to control what you do, who you see, or how you spend your money. They might say it’s for your own good. Or they might get upset when you make decisions without them. This control can start small but grow over time. It can make you feel like you don’t have freedom in your own life.

Invalidating Feelings

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When you share your feelings, this person dismisses them. They might say things like, “You’re overreacting” or “It’s not a big deal.” They make you feel like your emotions aren’t important or real. Over time, you might stop sharing your feelings altogether. This can leave you feeling very alone, even when you’re with them.

Using Your Insecurities

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This person remembers the things you’re worried about and uses them against you. If you’re self-conscious about your weight, they might make little comments about food. If you’re worried about your job, they might hint that you’re not doing well. They use your fears to keep you feeling unsure of yourself. This can make you feel like you’re always walking on eggshells around them.

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Mary Apurong

Mary Apurong is an experienced editor and ghostwriter who enjoys writing and reading. She loves researching topics related to life and creating content on quotes, gardening, food, travel, crafts, and DIY. Mary spends her free time doing digital art and watching documentaries.

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