What is the difference between emotional abuse and occasional outbursts of anger?
“It’s important to distinguish between emotional abuse and an occasional outburst of anger,” cautions Dr. Margaret J. Rinck, author, speaker, and Christian counselor who specializes in treating abuse victims and abusers. “Everyone has a bad day once in a while and responds with a harsh or negative word.” Emotional abuse is an ongoing pattern of behavior designed to control, manipulate and subjugate another that usually occurs behind closed doors. Speaking in anger is different than Ruth’s experience: When I set the table for dinner, my husband would come into the kitchen, walk around the table, and adjust the placement of the silverware, plates and glasses, saying ‘Some day you will get it right. Or maybe not’….
