What common tactic might an abuser use in the honeymoon phase?

During the honeymoon phase of an abusive relationship, the abuser often employs the tactic of making promises to change. This phase typically follows an incident of abuse and is characterized by a temporary period where the abuser expresses remorse, affection, and a commitment to altering their behavior. They may go to great lengths to convince the victim that the abuse will not happen again, often expressing love and making grand gestures that might include heartfelt apologies or promises of counseling.

This behavior is manipulative and serves to create a cycle of hope in the victim, making them believe that the relationship can recover and improve. By promising change, the abuser reinforces the victim's attachment and often leads them to dismiss or minimize the severity of the abusive behavior that occurred. It creates a sense of confusion and may intensify the victim's commitment to the relationship, fostering a false sense of safety that discourages them from seeking help or leaving the situation.

In contrast, feelings of anger or physical violence are characteristic of the tension-building or explosion phases, rather than the honeymoon phase. Threatening harm to children is a significantly aggressive tactic that would typically occur during moments of intense control or fear, not in a phase aimed at reconciliation.