 On the critical side , The Daily Telegraph 's Jenny McCartney dismissed the metaphors in the chorus and thought the song 's topic was over @-@ hyped . She disagreed with the critical praise , arguing that women accept abusive relationships for deeper reasons than sexual and emotional pleasure , such as family and financial issues and helplessness . In an NPR article , the writer Maura Johnston commented that the lyrics portray Rihanna as the subject of Eminem 's violence . Jay Smooth , a New York radio personality , responded that " while Eminem explores the psyche of the abuser with an almost disturbing amount of depth and detail , " Rihanna 's perspective is downplayed and not explained fully . Johnston and Smooth wrote that such imbalances are a prevalent issue in popular music duets . To Sady Doyle , although " Love the Way You Lie " is one of Eminem 's most affecting tracks and finds him remorseful , it does not make up for his past misogynistic actions and hateful songs . Noveck questioned whether the lyrics are " a treatise against ( or apology for ) domestic violence , or an irresponsible glorification of it ? Or , is it something uncomfortable in between ? " 
