How Do You Handle A Verbally Abusive Spouse?

Some people firmly believe that strong language is a positive motivator in guiding others toward what they believe is the correct, appropriate behavior. Rarely do those who use such strong language see themselves as being verbally abusive. We have all been fussed at by parents, teachers and other elders who sought to correct our behavior as children. But what happens when the fussing doesn't stop after you become an adult? At what point is expressing ones displeasure at another's action considered to be verbal abuse? People who are accustomed to fussing and arguing as the norm in a household will repeat the same behavior they experienced growing up. It may not seem abusive to them at all. But if the way you communicate to others is hurtful, damaging to another's sense of self worth, insulting, degrading and humiliating, it's probably verbal abuse. If this is the only way you know how to express displeasure, perhaps its time to learn a better way to communicate. Today our relationship experts, Muneerah Habeel and Mark Shahid, will guide us through the process of recognizing and correcting verbally abusive communication between husbands and wives.