It's essential to recognize that without knowing the specifics of your situation, it's challenging to pinpoint the exact reasons why you might have been surrounded by emotionally abusive people throughout your life. However, I can provide some potential factors that could contribute to this pattern:
Familiarity and Comfort: If you grew up in an environment with emotionally abusive individuals, you may unconsciously find yourself drawn to similar dynamics later in life. This familiarity can feel comfortable, even if it's harmful, because it's what you've known.
Low Self-Esteem and Boundaries: People with low self-esteem or weak personal boundaries might find it difficult to recognize and distance themselves from abusive individuals. They may feel that they don't deserve better treatment or that it's normal to be treated poorly.
Codependency: Codependency is a pattern where one person excessively relies on another for their emotional well-being. People who are codependent often find themselves in relationships with emotionally abusive individuals, as they are more likely to tolerate mistreatment to maintain the relationship.
Unconscious Repetition: Sometimes, individuals unconsciously seek to recreate their early life experiences in an attempt to resolve unresolved issues from childhood. If you witnessed or experienced emotional abuse in your early life, you might unknowingly seek out similar relationships in an attempt to change the outcome.
Manipulation Tactics: Emotionally abusive people can be skilled manipulators, making it challenging for their victims to recognize the abuse or break free from the relationship.
Lack of Supportive Relationships: If you lack a strong support network or haven't experienced healthy relationships, you might not have a reference point for what a healthy relationship looks like.
Empathy and Compassion: Sometimes, individuals with a strong sense of empathy and compassion might be more likely to stay in abusive relationships, hoping that their love and understanding will change the abusive person's behavior.
It's important to remember that none of these reasons justify or excuse abusive behavior. If you find yourself consistently surrounded by emotionally abusive people, it's crucial to take steps to protect yourself and seek help. Consider talking to a mental health professional who can provide personalized guidance and support in understanding your specific situation and helping you develop healthier relationship patterns. Healing from past experiences and developing stronger boundaries can contribute to healthier and more fulfilling relationships in the future.