Covert Verbal Abuse: Is Someone Telling You How You Should Feel?

Covert verbal abuse happens when a seemingly benign remark goes under your radar. You don’t see it for the abuse it is. You get used to it.

Covert verbal abuse happens when someone tells you how you feel, what you think, or what you need or want. It’s sneaky. You might not see it as abuse…yet. You soon will. Keep reading.

Is there someone in your life who acts as though they own you and they know you better than you know yourself? Yes, even some parents of adult children do that:

“You’ve always been too sensitive.”

“You never were able to handle the truth.”

“You should do/feel/think/want/expect __________ if you were good/honest/successful, considerate or __________.”

If there is a “should” in there, there is likely a problem!

Do you ever think–or say: “How dare you tell me how I feel!” Or, has it become such a pattern in your relationship with your mother, father, partner, or ex that you immediately start considering what they are saying as the truth? That happens when you are used to being abused. And, yes, it is sneaky, covert, and it’s going under your radar.

Read: Why Women Love Bad Boys And Dump Nice Guys

Right now, stop. Think of the relationship that is driving you crazy. Is that person telling you who you are, and what you think and feel? Do you hear the word “should” from them way too often?

This is covert verbal abuse. (If you want to know more, join my closed Facebook group: Optimize Life)

I know, who wants to think of themselves as being abused? Especially not when they hadn’t noticed what was really going on!

Some of us become so used to abuse that we can even justify it when it comes our way. Yes! As children, we became so used to being defined by our parents, that it was not a stretch to move on to having partners who continued the tradition. It felt familiar. It was familiar. And, it seemed normal.

Read: There Is One Person You Will Never Get Over

It may seem normal, but it is NOT acceptable.

Covert verbal abusers want to define your reality so they can control your reality.

As this idea begins to sink it, you may resist it. You might think: “S/he really cares about it and doesn’t want me to make a mistake.”

Are you an adult? If so, most adults are quite capable of deciding:

  • how to live
  • what they think
  • what they feel
  • what they need
  • what they want
  • who they are

And, if they are so used to being told these things, today is the day to recognize that you are capable of standing up, speaking out, and saying,

“NO! No more! I’ve got it from here!”

Taking back your life may be a gradual process, but it starts right there. Soon, you’ll see how others are exerting power over you, and you’ll no longer let them.

Read: The Reason Why It’s So Hard To Get Over Almost Relationships

Saying “NO!” to covert verbal abuse first requires recognizing it. Then, keep a lid on your anger.

Yes, I know, you’re going to be angry and rightly so. Once you see the game, it’s impossible to unsee it, and you’ll be angry that you’ve put up with it for so long. That anger is healthy, but if you let it fly, you’ll have a host of other problems. So, don’t do it!

Once you recognize that someone is trying to control your life, get help.

So often, my clients tell me that they had tried to work things out or get over things, on their own. Then, they tell me how relieved they are to finally have the insights, strategies, and support to make positive changes in their relationships…and, therefore, in their lives. You are your best investment. Remember that.

© Rhoberta Shaler, PhD


Written by Rhoberta Shaler, PhD
Originally appeared on Forrelationship.com

Covert Verbal Abuse Is Someone Telling You How You Should Feel
Covert Verbal Abuse Someone Telling Should Feel pin

Published On:

Last updated on:

Rhoberta Shaler, PhD

Rhoberta Shaler, PhD.  When you’re ready to say ‘No more!’ to toxic relationships, unnecessary drama, and poor examples for your children to follow, work with Dr. Shaler directly now  Subscribe to her Tips for Relationships. Listen to her podcasts for valuable insights and strategies to reclaim yourself, and create healthy relationships with yourself and others:Emotional Savvy: The Relationship Help Show, and Save Your Sanity: Help for Handling Hijackals.

Disclaimer: The informational content on The Minds Journal have been created and reviewed by qualified mental health professionals. They are intended solely for educational and self-awareness purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing emotional distress or have concerns about your mental health, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional or healthcare provider.

Leave a Comment

Today's Horoscope

Accurate Daily Horoscope for 12 Zodiac Signs

Daily Horoscope 25 June 2025: Prediction For Each Zodiac Sign

🌟 Ready to unlock the secrets of 25 June, 2025? Discover your personalized horoscope and see what the stars have in store for you today! ✨🔮

Latest Quizzes

Music Taste Quiz: Find Out Your Strongest Personality Trait

Music Taste Quiz: The Music You Like Can Reveal Your Strongest Personality Trait!

Whether you’re the life of the party with a pop playlist, or a deep thinker grooving to jazz, your choice in music can say a lot about who you are.

Latest Quotes

Weekly Horoscope 23 June To 29 June part one

Weekly Horoscope 23 June To 29 June

Weekly Horoscope 23 June To 29 June Aries (March 21 – April 19)Tangible progress on home & wellness goals. A heartfelt reset in family matters or living arrangements. An unexpected insight around 27th may reshape how you handle emotional security or finances. Taurus (April 20 – May 20)This is the week to act on long-held…

Readers Blog

Dear Me At 23 Lessons Learned And Dreams Ahead

Dear Me At 23: Lessons Learned And Dreams Ahead

I think of life as a ride that propels us to live through the synopsis of time, that stargazes us through life, that guides us through our darkest moments, that comforts and confronts us. Striding through the odyssey of journey that mesmerises us in its finest beauty and haunts us with its darkness, that binds…

Latest Articles

Covert verbal abuse happens when a seemingly benign remark goes under your radar. You don’t see it for the abuse it is. You get used to it.

Covert verbal abuse happens when someone tells you how you feel, what you think, or what you need or want. It’s sneaky. You might not see it as abuse…yet. You soon will. Keep reading.

Is there someone in your life who acts as though they own you and they know you better than you know yourself? Yes, even some parents of adult children do that:

“You’ve always been too sensitive.”

“You never were able to handle the truth.”

“You should do/feel/think/want/expect __________ if you were good/honest/successful, considerate or __________.”

If there is a “should” in there, there is likely a problem!

Do you ever think–or say: “How dare you tell me how I feel!” Or, has it become such a pattern in your relationship with your mother, father, partner, or ex that you immediately start considering what they are saying as the truth? That happens when you are used to being abused. And, yes, it is sneaky, covert, and it’s going under your radar.

Read: Why Women Love Bad Boys And Dump Nice Guys

Right now, stop. Think of the relationship that is driving you crazy. Is that person telling you who you are, and what you think and feel? Do you hear the word “should” from them way too often?

This is covert verbal abuse. (If you want to know more, join my closed Facebook group: Optimize Life)

I know, who wants to think of themselves as being abused? Especially not when they hadn’t noticed what was really going on!

Some of us become so used to abuse that we can even justify it when it comes our way. Yes! As children, we became so used to being defined by our parents, that it was not a stretch to move on to having partners who continued the tradition. It felt familiar. It was familiar. And, it seemed normal.

Read: There Is One Person You Will Never Get Over

It may seem normal, but it is NOT acceptable.

Covert verbal abusers want to define your reality so they can control your reality.

As this idea begins to sink it, you may resist it. You might think: “S/he really cares about it and doesn’t want me to make a mistake.”

Are you an adult? If so, most adults are quite capable of deciding:

  • how to live
  • what they think
  • what they feel
  • what they need
  • what they want
  • who they are

And, if they are so used to being told these things, today is the day to recognize that you are capable of standing up, speaking out, and saying,

“NO! No more! I’ve got it from here!”

Taking back your life may be a gradual process, but it starts right there. Soon, you’ll see how others are exerting power over you, and you’ll no longer let them.

Read: The Reason Why It’s So Hard To Get Over Almost Relationships

Saying “NO!” to covert verbal abuse first requires recognizing it. Then, keep a lid on your anger.

Yes, I know, you’re going to be angry and rightly so. Once you see the game, it’s impossible to unsee it, and you’ll be angry that you’ve put up with it for so long. That anger is healthy, but if you let it fly, you’ll have a host of other problems. So, don’t do it!

Once you recognize that someone is trying to control your life, get help.

So often, my clients tell me that they had tried to work things out or get over things, on their own. Then, they tell me how relieved they are to finally have the insights, strategies, and support to make positive changes in their relationships…and, therefore, in their lives. You are your best investment. Remember that.

© Rhoberta Shaler, PhD


Written by Rhoberta Shaler, PhD
Originally appeared on Forrelationship.com

Covert Verbal Abuse Is Someone Telling You How You Should Feel
Covert Verbal Abuse Someone Telling Should Feel pin

Published On:

Last updated on:

Rhoberta Shaler, PhD

Rhoberta Shaler, PhD.  When you’re ready to say ‘No more!’ to toxic relationships, unnecessary drama, and poor examples for your children to follow, work with Dr. Shaler directly now  Subscribe to her Tips for Relationships. Listen to her podcasts for valuable insights and strategies to reclaim yourself, and create healthy relationships with yourself and others:Emotional Savvy: The Relationship Help Show, and Save Your Sanity: Help for Handling Hijackals.

Leave a Comment

    Leave a Comment