An interesting post Cathy. I agree that this is a serious and destructive issue, and should not be treated lightly. But a lot of evaluation has to go into the "diagnosis." I tell my child no, they can't have that, or go there, they feel abused. I ask my spouse to do something I want, she says "I haven't the time, you'd better do it yourself," I could feel abused. Much of what you stated needs to be considered, especially where one person is in a position of physical/financial power over the other. I think if someone feels they are being abused, they should find the services of a detached counselor, which are available free in most communities. Friends can be helpful, but rather often they are likely to be "sympathetic supporters" rather than rational evaluators, and will sympathically agree with the person feeling abused. That's true of men as well as women. An organizational consultant runs into these issues constantly; in many cases they are as rational as teenage angst. Of course, it is not likely to be benevolent to point out to executives, male or female, that they are acting like teenagers. Or "partners" in relationships.

Hello Kathy, This is excellent advice. I hope no one here is going through this kind of abuse. But if there is, you can take your advice to the bank, great post Kathy. You take care tomorrow, and all of us here will be praying for your full recovery. God Bless you Queen of Adland respectfully,