Isolation. When your partner cuts you off from friends and family

He doesn't forbid it. He just explains why they're bad. And you stop calling on your own.

Isolation is when your partner gradually cuts you off from everyone who supports you. He doesn't do it overnight. He doesn't say outright: "Don't talk to your mom." He works more subtly. "Your mom is too intrusive." "I don't like your friend. He's in love with you." "Your sister is jealous. She's stabbing you in the back." He plants seeds of doubt. And you start seeing your loved ones differently.

Then he creates conflicts. A blowup before you meet your girlfriend. A sullen mood after visiting your parents. "Being around your friends makes me feel awful." And you start seeing less of your close ones. To avoid fights. To keep the peace.