Trauma bonding or traumatic bonding is when you are unable to leave a relationship even when your partner is treating you poorly.
Here are some signs that you may be in a trauma bond:
- Your partner is critical of you, but you move towards the tiny bits of affection they give you despite this.
- You are stuck in a pattern of highs and lows
- You can’t think of positive reasons to stay in the relationship (but you do anyway)
- You don’t know how to find the strength to leave
- You don’t have a sense of self in the relationship
- You don’t have autonomy or agency in the relationship
An individual can break the cycle of a trauma bond by being radically honest with themselves and setting firm boundaries. Unfortunately, this is difficult to do alone.
If you have found yourself in a relationship that is based on trauma, it’s important to be persistent in your desire to end the relationship and work on yourself.
Seeking a coach or therapist to help you is important to break the cycle and support you to move on.
Kimberly Hill is a leading Dating & Relationship Coach For Men, and Host of The Self-Confidence Project Podcast. You can follow her on Instagram @kimberlyninahill. For more information, go to www.kimberlyninahill.com.
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