Look at the way he treated her—always embarrassing and belittling her.
In one respect Martineau was singularly happy; he just escaped the active and, on the whole, belittling period of the old Unitarian controversy.
Emotional abuse can involve a withholding of love, terrorizing a child, isolating someone, ridiculing and belittling a child, and exposing a child to illicit behaviors.
If a promise ring may be seen as insulting or belittling, the couple may want to consider a very long engagement while they prepare for a life together, instead of making a lesser commitment.
Look at the way he treated her—always embarrassing and belittling her.