{Love & Sex} Trauma Bonding

by Quenton Stroud

In a romantic relationship #TraumaBonding can occur when a person feels emotionally attached to their partner despite experiencing repeated or severe abuse or trauma at their hands.

The victim may come to rely on their abuser for comfort or support or may believe that the poor behavior is actually a sign of love or passion.

Over time, this can create a cycle of abuse and reconciliation that can be difficult to break.

Here are some examples of how trauma bonding can manifest in a romantic relationship:

1.) A partner who has a history of #emotional abuse may apologize and offer love and affection after an outburst, leading the victim to believe that the abuse was a one-time occurrence and that their partner truly loves them.

2.) A partner may #isolate their victim from friends and family, leaving the victim with no one to turn to for support. The victim may then become emotionally dependent on their partner, even if the partner is abusive.

3.) A partner may withhold affection or support as a means of #control, leading the victim to feel like they need to work harder to earn their love or approval. This can create a cycle of abuse and reward, where the victim feels like they need to keep earning the affection of their partner.

Overall, trauma bonding in a romantic relationship can be a complex and difficult experience to navigate, and it may often require the help to overcome!