Berated Throuples Syndrome - BTS

Verbally and/or emotionally abusive relationship in a throuple format. Can lead to couple team with one wo/man out. Elder throuples can not break from a BTS situation. BTS seems to be most pervasive in the elder communities. Can sometimes present when a 2 elder couples are close and 1 spouse passes or a couple simply is looking for a third wheel. Eventually the third wheel is entitled to other wheels and this is when BTS becomes obvious. The cure to BTS is somehow returning to a traditional couple. In elder communities this cure seems impossible to obtain.

My mother suffers from Berated Throuples Syndrome - BTS. She continues to hang out with John and Lanie even though she seems miserable.

battered throuple syndrome

Battered throuple syndrome is essentially Stockholm syndrome without the kidnapping. Typically BTS experienced by elder people. Sometimes occurs when a spouse dies and they latch onto another couple. The relationship of the three experiences feelings of love, attachment, trapped, and anxiety. Anxiety is often felt when separated from one or two. Trapped is experienced when one wants space from the two but they can not leave. They can run to the grocery store but they must return. Once one experiences BTS one can not escape.

My mom has battered throuple syndrome (BTS). She spends lots of time with a couple. She even sleeps in their bed. She sometimes calls the man her husband but she is confused by the dynamics of BTS.