Can you identify manipulative sentences that are skillfully designed with the sole purpose of controlling your thoughts and actions? The following article will help you close manipulative statements in a relationship.

People don’t choose manipulation because they care. Manipulation is only “control”, disguised as love. His ability to appear emotional may make him one of the most insidious forms of abuse.

“Just because a thing is not a lie does not mean that it is not deceptive. A liar knows he is a liar, but he who speaks only parts of the truth to deceive is a destroyer,” Chris Jamie wrote.

Don’t let the manipulator’s sweet words take over your life. Hold on to your sense of control and make your own choices. If this manipulation becomes a pattern, consider leaving the relationship behind. Manipulation is not just controlling but deeply selfish.

There are some common lines of thought that manipulators like to exploit to get their way. Fortunately, all of them are easily closed with common sense.

7 Common manipulative sentences

Here are seven examples of manipulative statements, each followed by a logical and subjective response:

1. “Look what you made me do!”
   I don’t have the strength to make you do anything. I chose to respond the way I did. You need to take responsibility for your actions. I can only own my own.
2. “How can you still be mad at me after I bought you that beautiful necklace?”
   Money cannot buy a forgiver. You were so nice to do that. However, if this necklace is contingent on my forgiveness, it is not a gift. It’s a bribe. You can restore it.

Related: 4 Steps To Get Your Power Back When In A Relationship with A Narcissist

3. “Don’t wear that”, “Let me check your phone”, “Who were you texting?”, ‘It’s not you, I don’t trust – it’s other people
   You don’t have to trust others. You just have to trust me to be loyal and honest. When you act this way, you are assuming that I am either a cheater or a very weak person. I am not this or that.
4. “I want you to stay home because that’s what’s best for our kids. I just want to take care of you.”
   The best thing for my children is for her to have a happy and complete mother. It is my choice to work or stay at home. By doing what makes me happy, I am teaching our children to have independence in their lives. Has he forced me into a lifestyle that I don’t want to take care of? Or is it tightening your control over my life? (Note: This could also work in another way, forcing the significant another controlling partner into the undesirable action.)
5. “I know you feel strongly about this, but I want you to do it my way. It’s what works best for us.”
   What’s best for us is making decisions as a couple. What is best for me is that my input is heard and respected. Is your path the best for us, or is it the best for you?

Related: 4 Powerful Exercises To Help Fix A Toxic Relationship

6. “If you leave, I will hurt myself.”
   If you have thoughts about self-harm or suicide, you need to call 911. You can also call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-TALK. I have already made my choice. I have explained my reasons for doing so. I will not go back.

7. “I know you don’t want kids now, but let’s try anyway. I just want us to be a family.”
   The family can take many different forms. The common denominator between them is a sense of mutual respect. I have the right to choose how many children we have, and when we have them. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.