• Extreme jealousy
• Constant insults or put-downs
• Telling you what you can and can’t do- Remember, your partner is not your parent!
• Financial control
• Possessiveness or controlling behavior; treating you like property
• Making false accusations; accusing you of not caring enough about them, or even cheating on them
• Keeping you from family and friends; this is known as isolation and can become extreme
• History of abusive behavior, especially with a former dating partner- how they treated them IS how they will treat you
• Mood swings
• Explosive temper
• Belief that abuse is normal or acceptable in a relationship

Not all of these signs will be in abusive relationships, but trust your instincts- if something feels wrong, it probably is.

Abuse comes in many forms; find out more about the different types of abuse here (links to “types of abuse”). Also don’t forget about other things that when combined with above behaviors could be unhealthy for you. Consider:

If you recognize any of the above in your relationship, find out what you can do for yourself, or what you can do for a friend.