PREMIUM When you're body-shamed by your spouse Body shaming can become particularly damaging in unhealthy relationships. Saturday Magazine Just now Listen

Emotional safety and acceptance are important to intimacy, and persistent criticism can undermine it A person whose appearance is constantly criticised may eventually start believing that if they lose weight, change their appearance, or become more attractive, their partner will love them more, treat them better, and stop the criticism.

Repeated criticism Ann Tatu, clinical psychologist, says repeated criticism of a partner’s body can gradually become internalised as shame, inadequacy and rejection.’ Where does genuine concern end and body shaming or trying to upgrade a partner begin?