Have you ever lashed out at a partner or loved one in a way that felt completely out of character—mean, aggressive, or explosive—only to feel immense guilt afterward? You aren't "crazy," and you might not be the problem. In this episode, we dive deep into the often-misunderstood concept of Reactive Abuse.

We explore how prolonged manipulation and emotional pressure can push even the calmest person to their breaking point. More importantly, we discuss how primary abusers weaponize these reactions to play the victim. Join us as we break down seven actionable strategies to regain your composure, spot the early warning signs in your body, and reclaim your peace in chaotic environments.

Key Takeaways

· What is Reactive Abuse? Understanding that your explosive reaction is a survival mechanism, not a character flaw. It is a response to consistent gaslighting, invalidation, and provocation.

· The Dog Analogy: A helpful metaphor to understand how a "good dog" can be pushed to snap after being antagonized, and how the instigator often escapes blame.

· Listen to Your Body: Learning to recognize the physical cues of being "emotionally cornered" (chest tightness, clenched jaw, shallow breathing) before you explode.

· 7 Strategies to Break the Cycle:

· "Reactive abuse doesn't start with your reaction. It starts with their provocation. You stop reactive abuse by controlling your environment, controlling your responses... and controlling your peace."

Emotional 5 Day Detox: https://courses.fourseasonscounselling.com/5-day-emotional-detox

Narcissists No More: Measure Your Magnetic Pull Checklist:

https://courses.fourseasonscounselling.com/narcissists-no-more