Over the past three years my interest in writing has blossomed from a free-time hobby to an intriguing passion. I am a descriptive writer, a creative thinker and I am very opinionated. I tend to find meaning behind everything and focus on the big picture vs. the here-and-now. I love music; I love the instruments, the creation process and the thrill of performing. I play several instruments from cello, guitar, bass and piano, and my musical background easily adds up to about 10 years. I usually go to the mall at least twice a week, as it is very easy for me to become addicted to trendy, colorful clothing. As a 17-year-old, I am undecided on a major and where I’ll end up attending college. I am truly honored to be in this program and feel that it will help me focus on what aspect of journalism most interests me.
Toxic Relationships
By Meghan Rosebeck
“Abuse can be emotional, psychological, financial, sexual or physical and can include threats, isolation, and intimidation,”-Sexual Violence
Advisory Board.
It happens every day, men and women fall in love and give up all control to their lovers. It is a scary, dark and lonely place. One may feel like an outsider with nobody to talk to, or isolated by their significant other. Don’t give into a control freak. A relationship that involves any type of abuse is unhealthy and worthless to pursue.
Abuse comes in many forms, which is why men and women have trouble detecting wrong-doings in their relationships. To understand abuse, one must realize that a relationship hardly ever starts out terribly. Little by little abuse works its way in, as the relationship grows. If an individual ever thinks her relationship with a partner is dangerous, physically or mentally, chances are it is. Love tends to “blind” its victims, but the fact is that physical and verbal abuse is real. If any of the following traits apply to anybody’s relationship, change is necessary.
Intimidation is one of the most commonly used forms of abuse. Making one afraid by using harmful looks, gestures and/or actions are a few examples of intimidation. More serious forms of intimidation are destroying property, abusing pets and showing weapons. These behaviors are signs that something is wrong and action must be taken.
Emotional abuse is one of the most mentally damaging forms of abuse there is today. A caring relationship is not built on name calling and humiliation. Everyone should know that. Verbal abuse can be as damaging as physical abuse in the long run. Indicators of verbal abuse are a lack of self-esteem and character.
Isolation is perhaps the loneliest types of abuse. People in intimate relations should never try to control where their lover goes, who their lover sees, and what their lover does.
No matter what form it takes, abuse is toxic and ultimately destroys the relationsip and sometimes the person on the receiving end of the abuse if he or she does not take action to end the relationship.