This is my first time posting. I am a survivor of abuse by a boyfriend from about 2 years back. My question pertains to my friend though.
I am a friend to a woman who I think may be being controlled. I am not as close to her as I once was, but I hear about instances from other friends. I have met the person she is dating and I see her occassionally. I have been hearing about her relationship from other friends. At this point her boyfriend controls most of her time.
He is also telling her she should not say or do certain things. When he is not physically there he is calling her. He is very demanding of her. He will call repeatedly throughout the day to leave 5-6 voicemail messages. He is also spending almost every night with her. She has told him to reduce his calls, but he never actually does. She also hardly sees her friends anymore. I think she is starting to lose some contact with her family also.
I am very concerned that he relationship is a controlling relationship that will turn abusive. From the first time I met her boyfriend I got a funny feeling from him. I knew that something was definitely wrong. He is also putting her on a pedastol. He is constantly saying she is the best thing that has ever happened to him. After 1 month he also told her that he loved her. She is also starting to act different. She is more irritated than normal and has been more subdued.
I am very worried that she is getting involved in a bad relationship. My question is how can I approach my friend who I hardly speak to? I feel that I cannot just sit back and watch when I know how hard it was for me to go through it. I feel like I would be intruding, but at the same time I cannot just watch when I am afraid she is going to get really hurt. What is the best way to approach this subject and how can I make it a discussion rather than attacking him and her relationship? Thanks for helping!