symbiosis

                                When a couple begins a relationship, things often feel exciting and full of hope. But sometimes, after a short time, one of them begins to change. That change usually comes from deep insecurity — one partner doesn’t feel confident and tries to hide it through control. That’s when emotional manipulation begins: jealousy, blackmail, and possessive behaviors disguised as love.

At first, it's hard to notice. The other person is in love and chooses to tolerate things — small injustices, frequent calls, suspicion, lies, fights — even giving up friends or social events just to “keep the peace.” Slowly, this control becomes normal. And eventually, it leads to abuse.

Often, the root of this behavior comes from childhood. When someone grows up in a dysfunctional family without affection or healthy emotional guidance, they may repeat those same toxic patterns in their adult relationships. Frustration builds over the years, distorting their emotional development. This creates a cycle — like a snowball rolling downhill — growing bigger and more dangerous over time.

Soon, it begins to affect more than just the couple. Friends, children, parents, even jobs suffer. The person experiencing abuse may not realize what’s happening until it’s too late. They become angry, depressed, isolated, and full of self-doubt. And without help, the damage spreads.

Some people mistake this intensity for passion. They become addicted to emotional highs and constant adrenaline. But that’s not love — that’s codependency. It includes control, jealousy, and even threats or physical and sexual violence. And once the pattern begins, it’s hard to break.

If these behaviors appear early in a relationship — moving too fast, isolation from others, control disguised as care — it’s a warning sign. Without intervention, the relationship often ends in sadness, abuse, and emotional ruin. If children are involved, the damage repeats. They grow up repeating what they saw, continuing the cycle.

Breaking this pattern is crucial. The first step is awareness. If someone is in an abusive relationship, they should seek help — through therapy, community support, or legal action if needed. Silence only protects the abuser. Speaking up can save lives.