Here is a conversation I witnessed recently (actually, I made it up, but it's more fun to pretend I was eavesdropping):
"I need to get away from you, I can't take this any more."
You're nothing without me.
"It seems nothing I do can please you."
You'll never come up to my standard. Just apologise for not being good enough, and try harder.
"You don't love me. You have never loved me!"
You're not worthy of my love.
"I don't feel like a complete person. You've stolen the best parts of me."
You can't be whole without me.
"I don't need the pain, and I don't need the criticism."
Only I know what you need.
"You keep me on a leash and make me do whatever you want."
You need to submit to my demands and let me control you. It's for your own good.
"I feel so lost in this relationship. I'm going."
Only I can save you. You won't ever leave me, if you know what's good for you.
Amanda was out of tears. She wiped her eyes and stood up, gazing briefly at the figure in front of her. Then she turned and walked down the aisle and out of the church. She never returned.
Look what you made me do!
Ever thought it might be time to jump out of a situation that focuses largely on making you feel bad about yourself?