There is a stark contrast between a person who respects your boundaries and a person who tries to control you.
This difference is especially poignant when the controlling person realizes that he or she has lost his grip on you.
A toxic man, when he feels this loss of control, will resort to certain behaviors in a desperate attempt to regain power.
In the next article, I’ll share with you ten things a toxic man might do when he realizes he can no longer control you.
ready? Let’s dig deeper.
1) He will resort to guilt
One of the most common tactics used by a toxic man who loses control is guilt.
This is a manipulative strategy where he will make you feel guilty for things that are not your fault, or just to defend yourself.
The purpose of this behavior is to make you question your decisions and actions, thus weakening your resolve and making it easier for him to regain the control he lost.
It’s a subtle form of emotional abuse designed to tear down your self-confidence and self-esteem, making you more vulnerable to manipulation.
Keep in mind that it is important to be firm in your decisions and assert your boundaries. Don’t let guilt make you doubt yourself or compromise your well-being.
2) He will become very critical
In my own experience, I’ve noticed a huge shift in my partner’s toxic behavior when he realizes he’s losing control.
Suddenly he became hypercritical of everything I did, from the way I dressed to the way I prepared our meals. I felt as if nothing I did was good enough.
I remember one day when I spent hours preparing a special dinner for us. Instead of appreciating, he scolded me for using the wrong kind of seasoning. It was very hurtful and it was clear he was trying to undermine my self-confidence.
This is a tactic that toxic people often use to make you feel inadequate and doubt your self-worth, all in an attempt to regain control. Recognizing this behavior is crucial to maintaining your self-esteem and standing up against it.
3) He will increase his demands
When a toxic man feels he is losing control, he may start making more demands on you. This is because controlling individuals often see control as synonymous with obedience.
Think about it: When people feel like they are losing control, they tend to become more demanding and assertive in an attempt to regain it.
These increased demands can include anything from asking you to change your appearance to limiting who you can and cannot see.
It is important to understand that these requests are not out of love or concern, but rather are attempts to regain control. Stay firm in your limits and don’t let these requirements lead you away from your chosen path.
4) He will play the victim
When a toxic man realizes that he can’t control you anymore, he may start playing the victim.
This may include portraying himself as the misunderstood party or looking for sympathy to distract you from his controlling behavior.
By portraying himself as the victim, he redirects the focus away from his toxic actions and puts you in a position where you feel compelled to comfort and support him.
This tactic aims to keep you emotionally tangled and unsure, making it difficult to set and maintain your boundaries.
5) He will try to isolate you
Isolation is a typical strategy used by toxic individuals when they feel they are losing control. They aim to isolate you from your support system in hopes of making you more dependent on them.
This may include criticizing your friends and family, making you feel guilty for spending time with them or even completely banning you from seeing them.
But here’s the problem: love shouldn’t feel like suffocation.
Your social connections are vital to your mental health, so don’t let anyone corner you. Keep those social connections alive and thriving.
6) He will threaten to leave
When a toxic man feels like he is losing control, he may resort to threatening to end the relationship. This is intended to instill fear and insecurity in you, causing you to do whatever it takes to keep him around.
It’s heartbreaking when someone you care about threatens to leave, especially when their goal isn’t to solve problems but to manipulate your emotions.
Here’s the deal: A relationship should never be kept alive out of fear. It’s a clear sign of emotional manipulation and is not characteristic of a healthy or respectful relationship.
7) He will light up you
Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic that is difficult to recognize when you are in the midst of it. I know this because I was there.
He began to question my memory, telling me that the events did not happen the way I remembered them. It made me feel like I was losing my mind, making me question my perceptions and rationality.
It was a disorienting experience, like living in a fog. But it was his way of taking back control because by making me doubt myself and my reality, he could shape it to his liking.
Understanding gaslighting and its effects is crucial. If you feel confused and unsure about your thoughts and memories, reach out to someone you trust. Don’t let his manipulation distort your reality.
8) He will shower you with affection
It may seem strange, but when a toxic man feels his control slipping away, he may suddenly become incredibly affectionate. This can be confusing and is often mistaken for an actual change in his behavior.
This sudden shift from control to attention is a calculated move known as “love bombing.” He is designed to make you let your guard down and forget his past toxic actions.
Here’s the bottom line: Real change takes time and sustained effort. Don’t be fooled by sudden outbursts of affection meant to distract you from his controlling ways. Be vigilant and trust your instincts.
9) It will become unpredictable
When a toxic man begins to lose control, he may become unpredictable in his behavior. One moment he’s gentle and loving, the next he’s cold and distant.
This constant change keeps you on your toes and makes you feel like you have to work harder to please him, giving him a sense of control.
His erratic behavior is not only confusing but also emotionally exhausting. It is important to see it for what it is – a manipulation tactic.
Always remember that you deserve stability and respect in your relationships, not uncertainty and constant stress.
10) He will try to make you think that you are the problem
When dealing with a toxic man who is losing control, it is important to remember that he may try to shift the blame onto you.
He will distort situations, point the finger at you for his actions, and make you feel like you are the source of all the relationship problems.
This manipulation tactic aims to make you feel guilty, question yourself, and ultimately give control back to him.
But don’t fall for it. You are not the problem. His need for control and his toxic behavior are the real issues. Stay grounded in your truth and prioritize your well-being.
FinalThoughts: The power lies within you
At their core, the actions of toxic individuals stem from their fears and insecurities, not their values or abilities. You are not responsible for their behavior, and you do not have to put up with their venom.
