There are several red flags that you should be aware of if you’re dating a man. These include overtly obvious emotional or verbal abuse, lack of empathy, and substance abuse. If you see these signs, you should immediately start searching for another man. Here are some examples:
Overtly obvious verbal or emotional abuse
There are a number of ways to recognize overtly obvious verbal or emotional abuse when you are dating a man. For example, he may tell you that you’re worthless, or tell you to do or say something bad. He may also be vague or threaten to hurt you or expose a secret. He may try to change the subject or interrupt you constantly. If you constantly find yourself feeling uncomfortable, you should contact a professional.
An abusive man will try to take control of the relationship by making decisions for the family and demanding obedience from their victim. This will lower their victim’s self-esteem, causing them to feel unworthy. They may also use tactics like name-calling and shame to intimidate their victim.
Emotional abuse may not be as overt as physical violence, but it’s just as damaging. Emotional abusers will frequently use their emotions to control their victim. They may blame them for their own failures and embarrass them. These tactics will wear down the victim and cause them to question their sanity. Sexual abuse can also be extremely damaging to the victim’s mental health.
Lack of empathy
A lack of empathy is one of the red flags you should look out for in a man. Men with this trait are often condescending and impatient with others. They may also perceive you as weak when you try to talk to them about your problems. It is a clear sign of emotional insecurity and should be treated as a red flag if you want to have a lasting relationship.
Narcissism
If you want to avoid falling victim to a narcissist, you must look for his dysfunctional personality traits. The narcissist will try to win your trust by putting on various masks. Some of the common ones include a religious mask, a family man mask, etc. He will choose the correct mask based on what he is trying to hide. However, a narcissist will never remain consistent in his character role-play.
Narcissists often try to control their intimate partners. Their need for control can cause them to have outbursts. They may even try to make you feel small by teasing you. This is not only damaging, but it reinforces their belief that “you don’t matter.”
If you’re thinking about dating a narcissist, make sure that you’re prepared to put up with a very different dynamic in the relationship. You need to be prepared to develop healthy coping mechanisms and understand the limits of your relationship with him. It’s also important to have strong support outside the relationship to help you deal with the narcissist’s negative traits.
Substance abuse
If you’re dating a man who is addicted to alcohol or drugs, you should probably move on. Substance abuse is a big red flag, as it means that he struggles with impulse control and self-destructive habits. Moreover, addiction can quickly turn a relationship toxic. The good news is that it is treatable and you can find help from organizations like SAMHSA.
It is also worth remembering that emotional and mental abuse have consequences. Though physical abuse is obvious, emotional abuse is not always easy to detect and can be just as detrimental. Substance abuse is perhaps the most obvious red flag. A relationship with an addict will almost always be unhealthy.
Drug or alcohol addiction can cause serious physical and mental damage. It’s also dangerous for a relationship and could cost both partners their happiness. If you suspect that your man is suffering from substance abuse, it is best to break up with him before it’s too late. While your partner may be in denial, it’s best to protect your relationship from the chaos that can arise due to substance abuse.
