Warning signs of abuse start small. Some of the earliest warning signs are easy to overlook, because they don't seem like a big deal at the time. Things like calling you constantly or always being with you are fun when you first get together, but these actions can be big trouble if they become unwanted. Mean jokes and teasing may not seem like much, but they can also be the beginning of much worse verbal and emotional abuse.

Look for signs of power and control:

Jealousy: one of the earliest, biggest warning signs is jealousy. It's a very bad sign if your partner is unusually jealous, constantly accuses you of cheating, or is jealous of your friends, family, or interests.

Control: abuse in relationships is all about control. It's not okay for your partner to tell you what to do, or who you can hang out with, or what you should wear. If you can't be yourself, your relationship is not healthy.

Hurtful teasing or jokes: your partner should never make jokes that hurt your feelings or put you down. Making fun of you or putting you down in front of others is especially dangerous, because it can divide you from friends and damage your self-esteem.

Using force: using force to control you is never okay, especially during arguments. Holding you against your locker, blocking your exit, or crowding your space are all abusive actions that show your partner's lack of respect. Breaking things and punching the walls are other early warning signs that can mean real trouble later.

Checking up on you: it is a very dangerous sign if your partner feels the right to constantly question you about where you have been and what you were doing, monitor your cell or text messages, snoop on your e-mail and web surfing, or drop by your work or classes to check up on you.