Warning Signs of a Destructive Relationship

Many women find themselves caught up in abusive or destructive relationships. Once sucked into it, most women are never able to escape from it. Thus it is best to be aware, and note any possible warning signs.

1. Be careful of being involved with someone with a very low self esteem. Some of these people feel they need to control someone in order to "be somebody". It could also stem from growing up in similar circumstances, where it was the norm for the man in the house to control everybody around him.

2. Be careful of excessive jealousy, or someone being possessive. It's a sign of someone who needs to be in control.

3. Be careful of someone who tries to cut you off from friends and family. It will likely be done in a very subtle way, bit by bit, so be aware. Once you are cut off from help, you are also cut off from witnesses.

4. Be careful of someone who tends to put you down on front of others. A lack of respect is a sure sign of someone who does not know where to draw the line.

5. Playing rough, and saying "I was only playing" if you get hurt, is a sign of someone testing the limits of what you are willing to accept, and what he can get away with. If you let it be, the line will be pushed back further and further until you will not be able to see where fun ends and punishment begins.

If you fail to see any of these warning signs, at least get out at the first sign of violence. There will be incredible apologies, and the most sincere promises, and even hints of committing suicide rather than living without you. Stand your ground, no matter how hard it may seem. It is all a game of control, and how much will be allowed. A man who lifts his hands to you once can never say he will never do it again. If that final barrier of self control is not there, it will not appear out of thin air.