Comstock/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Although most people associate bullying with children on the playground or in the classroom, bullying can be a part of adult relationships as well. Bullying can occur in marriage, when one spouse seeks to belittle, control or intimidate the other. A bullying husband can make it very difficult to maintain a loving relationship, and can cause severe emotional distress. Over time, physical and emotional symptoms such as insomnia, stomach aches and nervousness can result in a victim of bullying.
Write down your husband's bullying episodes. Keep a written record of your husband's bullying for a month. Note dates, times and situations in which bullying occurred. A detailed written record can be a useful tool when you talk to your husband, who may deny his actions.
Ask close friends and family members to share what they have observed. Obtaining information from people close to you about your husband's bullying behavior may validate your feelings, and it will help you to remember that you are not simply imagining your husband's actions.
Review your husband's history. If you do not know much about his childhood, ask him. This may uncover reasons for your husband's bullying actions, such as childhood abuse, neglect or witnessing bullying in his parents' lives. Although this does not justify bullying behavior, it can help you both to understand why it occurs, which may provide the information necessary for your husband to change his behavior.
Talk with your husband about his behavior. In addition to talking with him, advocate for yourself and insist that he stop bullying you. Tell him the consequences he will face if his behavior does not change, such as you leaving the relationship or involving law enforcement if you fear for your life.
Give your husband a concrete deadline to show improvements in his behavior. Tell your spouse that the deadlines are not negotiable, and that you are giving him an opportunity to treat you more respectfully.
Move out. If your husband won't stop bullying you then you may be forced to move out of your shared home. If you've stated that you would move out if he didn't change then it's best that you keep your word. Failing to carry out your stated actions can give your husband the impression that you are not serious about your demands for change.
Related Articles
How to Deal With an Alcoholic Husband
How to Leave Your Husband
The Effects of a Lack of Respect in a ...
How to Get Guardianship of My ...
How to Deal With a Bullying Brother
How to Handle a Possessive Husband
The Effects of an Abusive Relationship
How to Legally Change a Name in Georgia
Signs That a Husband Is Thinking About ...
How to Get Rid of a Possessive Boyfriend
How to Cope With Spiteful Family Members
Aggressive Behavior in Adults
How to Deal With a Rude Husband
Warning Signs of a Controlling Husband
Thank You Note Etiquette for Envelopes
What to Do When a Family Member Won't ...
How to Break the Ice When Your ...
How to Cope With a Husband Jealous Over ...
How to Make a Complaint to Mississippi ...
How to Know That Your Husband Is Not ...
References
- "The Bully in Your Relationship"; Anne-Renee Testa; 2007
Writer Bio
Owen Pearson is a freelance writer who began writing professionally in 2001, focusing on nutritional and health topics. After selling abstract art online for five years, Pearson published a nonfiction book detailing the process of building a successful online art business. Pearson obtained a bachelor's degree in art from the University of Rio Grande in 1997.
Photo Credits
Comstock/Stockbyte/Getty Images