Do you feel controlled and overwhelmed in your relationship? Take a look at the signs he’s being manipulative and not protecting you.

We as humans have known to use, abuse, and manipulate each other since the dawn of time. While he may have served some in building great kingdoms, he also brought down many. Manipulation is a deceptive tactic, often disguised as love and affection.

Although it is natural to want to protect your partner in a relationship, there comes a point when that protection can turn into manipulation. To protect your emotional well-being, you must discern when your partner is manipulating you.

So, how do you know if your boyfriend is manipulating you? Look out for these telltale signs…

Related: When Love Becomes Sacrifice: Signs That You’re Giving Too Much In A Relationship And How To Cope

15 Signs he is manipulating you and not protecting you

1. He claims to know what’s best for you.
   One of the most obvious signs that you’ve been manipulated in a relationship is when your partner constantly claims they know what’s best for you. This behavior can be quite insidious because it is often disguised as concern or care, but in reality, it is a way for them to exert control over you.

When your partner takes on the role of the know-it-all authority figure in your life, they are robbing you of your agency and independence.

You are an adult who is capable of making your own decisions, yet makes you feel like you need their guidance and approval to make the right choices.

2. He continues to bring up your date
   A sign of manipulation is when they constantly bring up past mistakes as if they are the only thing that defines you.

Instead of acknowledging that people grow and learn from their experiences, he chooses to use them against you and make you question your judgment. This is a classic manipulation tactic designed to keep you under his thumb and feeling inferior.

Remember that you are not defined by your mistakes, and you have the power to shape your future. Don’t let anyone use your past against you or make you feel small.

3. He keeps complaining about the time.
   One of the signs that he is manipulating you is that he is constantly whining about time, trying to guilt you into spending more time with him. It is important to realize that you have your own life and responsibilities and that it is healthy to pursue your interests and goals.

Remember, a healthy relationship involves mutual respect, trust, and support for each other’s individual goals and interests. Don’t let your partner’s manipulative tactics control your life and decisions.

4. He clings to the presence of other men.
   Do you notice that your partner’s behavior changes dramatically when other men are around? Perhaps you’ve noticed that he’s becoming clingy and possessive, making it impossible for you to interact with anyone else. If so, you may be dealing with a manipulative partner.

One of the most important warning signs of manipulation is when someone is trying to control who you spend time with and how you interact with others.

In this case, your partner’s jealousy and insecurities may lead him to monopolize your time and prevent you from communicating with anyone else.

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5. He doesn’t like you spending time with anyone else.
   How do you know if he is manipulating you? Well, one of the most obvious red flags that a partner is manipulating is their unwillingness to let you spend time with others.

It’s a common tactic for them to keep an eye on you, constantly text or call you, and insist that you come home early. Although they may appear protective or friendly, it is a subtle form of control.

A healthy relationship should allow for personal freedom. So, pay close attention to your partner’s behavior and ask yourself: Is he showing concern for your well-being, or is he trying to manipulate and isolate you?

6. He always criticizes you.
   In a love relationship, constructive criticism can be a useful tool for personal growth. However, if your partner points out your faults without any appreciation, it can quickly become a tool of control rather than growth.

Love is about accepting each other’s shortcomings and supporting each other’s endeavors, not constant criticism. Therefore, if your partner is always criticizing you without any positive feedback, it could be one of the clear signs that your partner is manipulating you.

7. He brags about himself and belittles your decisions.
   Beware, for if you dare to doubt his prudence, and discover later that he has been right all along, he will no doubt take the opportunity to boast of his superior intelligence.

This will not be a one-time occurrence, and he will happily take pleasure in reminding you of your alleged incompetence and awesomeness whenever the opportunity arises.

8. Gives threats and ultimatums.
   When your partner starts making threatening statements, such as, “If you don’t do what I ask, I will leave” or “I will hurt myself if you don’t comply,” this is a red flag that should not be ignored.

Let’s be clear: love and madness are not interchangeable. Threats are a form of emotional manipulation, a tool used by those who seek to control others. Don’t fall prey to this kind of behavior.

Remember, a healthy relationship should make you feel safe and cherished, not afraid and threatened.

Related: The Art of Deception: How a Fuckboy Manipulates You into Falling for Them

9. He constantly asks you to stay away from other men.
   When it comes to relationships, a little jealousy can add some spice and excitement. However, if he is constantly urging you to avoid any men, including your innocent co-workers and college mates, then he is manipulating you!

This behavior goes beyond being possessive; It is a sign that your partner is trying to control you.

Don’t allow this kind of behavior to manipulate yourself. Remember that you are your person and have the right to interact with whomever you want.

10. He defines his efforts.
    In a relationship, effort is the key ingredient that keeps the flame of love burning. However, when it comes to this man, he goes above and beyond to make his efforts known, leaving no doubt about his love and care for you.

Even in social settings, he isn’t shy about letting everyone know how protective and caring he is towards you.

And let’s not forget the sweet reminders he gives you from time to time. He will mention how he did this and that for you in the past, he will not show how proud he is of you but brag about himself.

In general, with this guy, you will never have to question his efforts or his love for you. He makes it crystal clear every step of the way.

11. He wants you to be with him all the time.
    Everyone deserves a little “me” time to recharge and reflect on solitude. However, if your partner insists that you are constantly by their side, it may be a sign of manipulation rather than affection.

Don’t be fooled by the illusion of sweetness or protection – it’s time to break free and prioritize your own needs. Remember, a healthy relationship should allow both partners to grow and thrive independently.

12. Your opinion does not matter.
    When your partner thinks they have a high level of wisdom and are constantly operating on their supposed intelligence, it’s not uncommon for them to completely ignore your opinions.

They may not even bother asking for your input before making decisions for you. This type of behavior is a subtle but strong indicator that your friend is manipulating you, as your thoughts and feelings are invalidated and rejected.

13. He is never satisfied, let alone pleased.
    Despite your constant efforts to please him, he seems unsatisfied but constantly happy. You put your heart and soul into making him satisfied, but there always seems to be a missing puzzle piece that you can never find.

His appetite for perfection is insatiable, leaving you feeling unappreciated despite your constant striving. His critical eye leaves no room for error, and you get the sense that no matter what you do, it just won’t be enough for him.

14. He wants to make all of your decisions.
    Beware of your friend who assumes the role of the chief decision-maker in your life. This person may appear as someone who has your best interests at heart, but in reality, he is cunningly manipulating you.

The signs are clear—whenever you approach him for advice, he’s quick to prescribe a solution that fits his agenda, regardless of your wishes.

This is one of the major telltale signs that he is manipulating you and not just being possessive.

Related: What It Means When a Narcissist Says “I Love You”

15. He thinks he’s the only person who can make you happy.
    It may seem like a high possibility that you have someone in your life who wants to make you happy all the time, but have you thought about the motivation behind that? If the other party is constantly trying to limit your happiness to only them, it may be a cause for concern.

It is as if they want to be the sole owner of your happiness, leaving no room for anyone or anything else. This kind of behavior is not only selfish but also indicates deep-seated insecurities on their part.

If you’ve noticed any of these obvious signs of manipulation in your boyfriend, it’s time to walk away from him like a pro. He’s not the right guy for you, because he doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Let him go and create a fulfilling life of your own.