When a couple you care about separates, your friendships can suddenly feel complicated. How do you offer support, handle invitations and protect confidences without becoming caught in the middle?
It rarely starts with threats or violence. Coercive control can begin with seemingly caring behaviour before escalating into isolation, monitoring and manipulation that gradually erode your confidence and independence. Trauma specialist psychotherapist Tina Chummun explains how to recognise the warning signs, understand why leaving doesn’t always end the fear and begin rebuilding your sense of self.
The meeting went well and your friend seemed happy to see you. So why are you still analysing what you said hours later? Learning to leave a conversation unfinished in your mind can begin with giving yourself a little more grace.