How to Recognize an Abusive Personality

Healthy-minded people obviously seek to avoid abusive people but sometimes it is not so easy to recognize an abusive personality. In other cases we adapt to negative behavior, especially if it comes from a family member or person in authority. Since psychological abuse is as serious as physical abuse it is important to learn and recognize the warning signs early. Read on for some of the common traits found in abusive people.

Instructions

Suspect people who regularly cut down others in a seemingly joking manner especially involving gender or appearance. If the person makes you laugh it may be difficult to recognize the abusive personality traits, but this is an indicator that the person wants to feel superior to others to feel adequate.

Look for signs of poor self-esteem such as displays of false over-confidence or cockiness. A prime but extreme example is the so-called Napoleon Complex, found in men of short stature who mistake aggressive behavior for masculinity. This is to compensate for what they feel is a deficiency, their height. People who do not feel good about themselves tends to either take it out on themselves or others.

Consider angry outbursts a red flag. While it would seem like this is an easy way to recognize an abusive personality, many abusers are convincing and charming in their apologies. Many will also claim it is an unusual occurrence based on some external event.

Understand that guilt is a frequent trait used by abusive people and one that may be difficult to recognize if you are one to easily feel guilty. An abusive person may try to cause you to feel shame, which is often more destructive. Here the victim has done nothing wrong but is convinced otherwise. If guilt is used frequently by a person to compel you to act or feel a certain way, this is abusive.

Recognize that an abusive personality is a controlling personality. The difference is in how that control is obtained, be it guilt, anger, physical violence, yelling, or more subtle forms that escalate with time. This is not the same as a control freak or someone who needs to control their physical surroundings, say by excessive cleaning, to feel okay, although this may be a warning sign.

Appreciate your sensitivity to words that are distressful to you such as profane language, racial or vulgar slurs, name-calling and the like. As bad language is somewhat common, it is more difficult to associate this with an abusive personality. Typically, however, a stable person is in control of their actions and their words. A cuss word does not an abusive person make, but notice the context and how the words make you feel.

Listen to the small voice in your heart and head to better recognize an abusive personality. Often we want to think the best of people, especially those whom we love. But if you feel like you are walking on eggshells or often feel bad around a person, it is enough of a reason to not be around them whether they are overtly abusive or not.

Urban Mushrooms: How to Identify Mushrooms and Where to
urbanmushrooms.com/index.php?id=69
How to Identify Mushrooms and Where to Find Them. By Linnea Gillman and Jason Salzman. When folks who hate mushrooms see one in the forest, they can simply
How I Know My Wife Married the Wrong Person CROSS
crossshapedstuff.com/.../how-i-know-my-wife-married-the-wrong-person
i want to see more stuff shaped like a cross (by @WTMcKenzie)
Howcast The best how-to videos on the web
www.howcast.com
Howcast is the best source for fun, free, and useful how-to videos and guides.
Rescuing drowning children: How to know when someone is in
www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/family/2013/06/rescuing...
Jun 04, 2013 The new captain jumped from the deck, fully dressed, and sprinted through the water. A former lifeguard, he kept his eyes on his victim as he headed ...
How to Gain Weight For Women - 3 Things Skinny Girls Need to Know ...
ezinearticles.com Health and Fitness Build Muscle
May 07, 2009 How to Gain Weight For Women - 3 Things Skinny Girls Need to Know to Gain Weight. By John Wheeler
How Do I Know When It's Time To Euthanize My Pet?
www.petlossathome.com/how-to-know-when-its-time-to-euthanize-your-pet
Recent article posted on Yahoo. Stories and advice for how to know when it's time to euthanize a beloved pet.
How To Become A Fitness Model - Everything You Need To Know
ifitnessmodel.com
Do you want to know How To Become A Fitness Model? If you do then you are looking at the right page. There are several things that you need to understand about the ...
:: How to Unlock iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S Jailbreak
jailbreakwizz.com/2012/05/how-to-unlock-iphone-4s-iphone-4.html
Since the inception of iPhones on carriers, unlocking has been a mere fantasy which became true later on. In early days, everyone craved and wish for a solution that ...