BY Louise Jackson
Being verbally abusive is still a form of abuse. Because in many ways words truly can be violent.
Getting so easily irritated and it spilling over into aggression suggests they struggle to control their temper.
You’re worried about displeasing them or setting them off.
This might lead to overprotective, accusatory, or even controlling behavior.
Of course, another word for mind games is emotional manipulation. The aim of the game is to try to use your emotions against you.
For example, they might try to control your finances, who you can or cannot see, or what you wear.
They may make you feel responsible for their entire well-being. And that’s a big burden to carry.
Anyone who has got sucked into the endless drama of a toxic person will know how exhausting it can become.
No matter what the conflict or disagreement is, they are always 100% convinced that it’s all your fault.
Their protective ego which seeks to defend them is too fragile, and so it is incapable of receiving any feedback whatsoever, no matter how well intended it is.
Being around constant negativity is a real drain on your energy reserves.