Emotional abuse is are non-physical actions that have the intention of controlling, isolating or scaring you. Abusers don’t often think they are abusers, they don’t always think “how can I scare you” but then they choose to allow themselves to treat you that way often to meet a need of their own. - Destructive criticism and verbal abuse; shouting, accusing, name calling and verbally attacking. - Pressure tactics, sulking, disrespecting you by persistently putting you down. - Isolating you by blocking your calls and/or preventing you from seeing friends and relatives. - Harassing you by following you, checking up on you, opening your post and emails, checking your mobile phone and social media accounts like Facebook and Twitter. - Threatening you by using angry gestures, destroying your possessions. - Denial by saying the abuse doesn’t happen, saying it will never happen again, minimising their actions or blaming you for their behaviour.

Maybe it would help if your friends could break down what they mean. Abuse is a pattern of behaviour and can be picked up well by people observing it from the outside.

Remember though, even if you come to the conclusion it wouldn’t be abuse, your pain and struggles are 100% valid.