Signs of Manipulation in Relationships

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Manipulating someone means that a person is using mental distortion and emotional exploitation to influence and control others

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Signs of Manipulation in a Relationship

If someone consistently makes you feel emotionally drained, anxious, fearful, or doubtful of your own needs, thoughts, and feelings,

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Condescending behaviors in an intimate relationship can cause a pattern of abusive communication, [and] inflict emotional pain for the one who is being talked down to.

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Gaslighting

If you suspect someone is gaslighting you, pay attention to how you feel after you spend time with them. You might feel confused,

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Passive-Aggressive Behavior

As opposed to using direct communication, a person who behaves passive-aggressively doesn't express how they're really feeling.

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Lying and Blaming

Though many of us tell "white lies," or lies that we consider harmless, a person who is emotionally manipulative will likely tell lies to mislead you.

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Threats and Coerciveness

Someone who threatens to hurt themselves should seek counseling from a mental healthcare professional.

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Withdrawal and Withholding

Although you and your partner may be dealing with their condescending behavior, you still have to take care of yourself

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Isolation

A person who wants to control you might try to cut off your contact with friends and family, especially if any of your loved ones express a dislike or distrust of the emotionally manipulative person.7

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Your partner might try to alienate you from your support system, causing you to doubt your decision to move on from the relationship.

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Yellow Flags in a Relationship–Signs and How to Deal With Them