In the realm of Kabir Singh and Animal, where abuse has shown to be cool and only physical, we as a society fail to realise the emotional abuse caused to us directly or indirectly by our loved ones or so-called “log” in our society. Often, the most hurtful forms of abuse come from our closest relationships, be it our friends, parents, partners, or teachers, manifesting as emotional neglect or just silly comments, a silent abuse that goes unnoticed, yet leaves lasting scars in our minds.
Emotional neglect is a subtle but pervasive form of abuse characterised by the absence of emotional support, validation, and empathy in our interactions with others. It can take many forms, from derogatory remarks and passive-aggressive behaviour to outright neglect of our emotional needs.
One of the most common manifestations of emotional neglect is the unavailability of the other party either physically or emotionally. Have you found yourself constantly available for others—lending a listening ear, offering support, and being there in times of need? Yet, when the tables are turned, the reciprocity is lacking and you feel all alone. Your own emotional needs are brushed aside, your vulnerabilities dismissed, and your feelings invalidated, that’s when you should realise it’s not normal and you as well need someone.
It's a pattern that often goes unnoticed, disguised as selflessness or a willingness to be there for others because maybe of your unbalanced previous lived life. But beneath the surface lies a deep-seated imbalance, where your emotional well-being is sacrificed just because you feel bad asking your friends for help and confronting them if they behave selfishly.
Perhaps you've found yourself in friendships or relationships where you're always the one reaching out, making plans, and initiating contact, only to be met with lukewarm responses or excuses. Or maybe in romantic relationships where your partner expects unwavering support and understanding, yet fails to reciprocate when you're the one in need, these are not normal behaviours that will make you happy.
In workplaces, emotional neglect can manifest as being overlooked for promotions or opportunities, despite your hard work and dedication. Your contributions go unrecognised, your ideas dismissed, and your voice silenced, again not normal.
We sometimes internalise the belief that our needs are secondary, our feelings inconsequential, and our worth contingent on our ability to meet the needs of others, but that’s not the case.t's crucial to recognise that emotional neglect is not a reflection of our inherent worth or value as individuals. It's a reflection of the toxic dynamics in our relationships and the need for boundaries, self-care, and self-advocacy.
So the most important question is, how do we break free from the cycle of emotional neglect and reclaim our sense of self-worth?
First and foremost, it's about recognising the signs and acknowledging the validity of our emotions. Trust your intuition, if something is unbalanced in your relationships, it's worth exploring further. Seek support from trusted friends, family members, or a therapist who can offer objective insights and validation.
Set boundaries and communicate your needs openly and assertively. Practice self-care and prioritise activities that nurture your emotional well-being. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, and let go of relationships that drain your energy and diminish your self-worth.
Always remember that you deserve to be seen, heard, and valued for who you are. You are worthy of love, respect, and emotional reciprocity in all your relationships.
Amazing 🤩
must read write up