The Truth About Walking on Eggshells
Forcing and/or coercing a family to walk on eggshells is psychological and emotional violence.
“When I get everything just right, he’s a great husband. When I don’t… well, it’s a different story.”
Can you relate?
What does “getting it right” entail?
For an emotionally abusive spouse, “getting it right” usually means:
Physical caretaking of the abuser;
Meeting the abuser’s sexual demands;
The victim carrying the brunt (or all) of the domestic labor needs of the household with little or no help from the abuser;
Emotionally “caretaking” including absorbing negative energy, whining, insults, and complaints from the abuser;
The victim carrying the majority of the parenting responsibilities.
Walking on Eggshells = Abuse
When we understand how deeply exploitative it is, to require a family to walk on eggshells, it’s pretty clear that it’s abuse.
Fortunately, with boundaries, self-care, education, and support, I know that you can find healing and peace from this dynamic.