Unacceptable Behaviors

         Criticism: Shaming, put-downs, mocking, blaming, name-calling, imitating or taunting others; insinuations, and using meaningless words or gestures.

         Verbal abuse: Shouting, being vulgar, continuously raging, using profanity, angry expressions or gestures to control.

         Misrepresenting: Denying, Minimizing, Blaming, Falsifying, exaggerating, distorting, lying, withholding and/or misstating information, using jealousy to justify actions, being unfaithful.

         Dominating: Domineering, controlling, isolating, claiming to know the truth, humiliating, using guilt, commanding, or analyzing others’ behavior through logic or shame.

         Suppressing others emotionally: Refusing to offer support, attention, respect or validation of others’ feelings; not offering affirmations or compliments.

         Denying self-care: Needlessness, or not asking for help and support; addictions to alcohol, drugs, food, sex or other substances; people-pleasing, caretaking or isolation.

         Financial constraints: Controlling the spending of others; non-support of a partner’s desire to work; withholding money; using money or resources as punishment; making financial promises with no intention of keeping them.

         Power tactics: Hurrying others to make decisions; shaming, accusing, pouting, threatening, or manipulating others; abusive feelings; gathering forces to control others; using money, sex, children or religion to control.