If your partner often does these 9 things, they might be emotionally manipulating you

Understanding the difference between emotional support and emotional manipulation can be difficult, especially in a relationship.

Emotional manipulation is the subtle art of coercion, where your partner uses certain behaviors to influence your decisions or emotions in their favor, often ignoring your feelings.

Emotional support, on the other hand, helps you feel safe and respected in your relationship, taking into account both partners ‘ feelings and each other’s needs.

Knowing the signs of emotional manipulation can be a game-changer in relationships.

Let’s dive into the telltale signs that your partner may be manipulating you emotionally.

Believe me, this knowledge can save you from a lot of heartache.

1) they often play the role of the victim

In the complex world of emotional manipulation, playing the role of a victim is a classic technique.

Emotional manipulators can expertly turn the tables on you.

One moment I was addressing a concern, and the next, I somehow became the aggrieved party.

This transformation is a clever diversion, directing the conversation away from their behavior and onto your supposed ‘mistreatment’.

They deflect responsibility for their actions.

If your partner makes you feel like a bad person repeatedly when you try to address problems or express your feelings, it could be a sign of emotional manipulation.

It’s a way to gain empathy and control while making you guess yourself.

Although, it’s not about blaming anyone.

It’s about recognizing patterns and striving for healthy communication.

2) they develop your words

Navigating a conversation with an emotional manipulator can seem like walking in a maze, especially when they start twisting your words.

I remember the time when I was trying to express my feelings to my then-partner.

I told him that I felt neglected whenever he spent a lot of time at work without checking in.

Instead of understanding my concern, he turned the discussion to how I did not appreciate his efforts to provide for us, twisting my words and my intention completely.

Twisted words are a tactic used by manipulators to make you doubt your thoughts and feelings.

It’s their way of controlling the narrative and turning the situation in their favor.

If you often find yourself feeling misunderstood or guilty after expressing your feelings or concerns, it may be because your partner is twisting your words.

It is essential to recognize and address this behavior to maintain healthy communication in your relationship.

3) they use guilt trips

The arsenal of an emotional manipulator is incomplete without guilt trips.

It’s a powerful tool that can make you feel obligated to meet their demands, even against your better judgment.

Did you know that guilt is such a strong emotion that it can provoke physical symptoms?

Research shows that intense feelings of guilt can lead to headaches, stomach discomfort, and other physical symptoms.

That’s how powerful this manipulation technique is.

Recognizing the signs of emotional manipulation is crucial if your partner is constantly making you feel guilty about unmet expectations or prioritizing your own needs.

To protect your mental and physical health, set clear boundaries in response to these signals.

4) they gaslight you

Gaslighting is a kind of emotional manipulation that involves making someone question their reality.

This technique can be so accurate that it is difficult to recognize, but it is devastatingly effective.

RELATED:9 signs your partner is a narcissist, according to psychology

If your partner constantly denies your experiences, contradicts your memories, and makes you feel like you’re overreacting or imagining things, it could be gaslighting you.

This behavior can chip away at your confidence and self-esteem, leaving you feeling unsure of your judgment.

If these signs sound familiar, it may be time to seek support and face the situation.

5) they give you the silent treatment

Silent therapy, also known as procrastination, is a form of emotional manipulation that can be incredibly harmful.

It involves refusing to communicate or ignoring your partner as a form of punishment.

If your partner withdraws a lot, refuses to talk, or ignores you when you have disagreements or when he is annoyed with you, it could be a sign of emotional manipulation.

This behavior is designed to make you feel anxious, guilty, or unworthy until you give in to their demands.

Keep in mind that a healthy relationship is built on open and respectful communication.

If your partner chooses silent therapy instead of engaging in discussions about issues, it is much more important to address the situation.

6) they make you feel unimportant

Everyone deserves to feel appreciated and loved in a relationship.

But emotional manipulators often underestimate or reject the feelings, needs, or achievements of their partners, making them feel insignificant.

If your partner repeatedly undermines your achievements or dismisses your feelings as unimportant or ridiculous, it could be a sign of emotional manipulation.

This behavior can slowly erode your self-esteem, making you feel that you are not good enough or that your thoughts do not matter.

Everyone deserves respect and appreciation, especially the one they love.

7) they control your social life

Building and maintaining social ties is an integral part of our life.

But in a manipulative relationship, your partner may try to control who you interact with.

I remember feeling isolated when my partner started dictating who I could spend time with.

Gatherings of friends became a source of conflict, and slowly, I found myself moving away from the people I cared about to avoid confrontations.

This behavior is a strategic move to control and isolate you from your support system.

If you find yourself constantly justifying your social interactions or feel guilty about spending time with friends or family, it could be a sign of manipulation.

It is important to maintain your relationships and social life, independently of your partner.

8) they make you feel dependent on them

Emotional manipulators often create a dynamic in which you feel that you cannot function without them.

They may convince you that you are unable to make decisions, manage your finances, or even take care of yourself.

If your partner constantly insists on making all decisions or insists that you are incapable without his help, he may manipulate you.

This behavior is designed to make you feel dependent on them, giving them more control over your life.

Independence and autonomy are crucial in any relationship.

If your partner makes you feel otherwise, it is necessary to address the problem and regain your independence.

9) they threaten or scare you

The most alarming sign of emotional manipulation is if your partner resorts to threats or intimidation. This behavior is not only manipulative but also offensive.

If your partner threatens to leave, hurt himself, or punish you in some way if you do not comply with his demands, this is a clear sign of manipulation.

This behavior is designed to control you through fear and is a severe red flag.

Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in a relationship.

Threats and intimidation are never acceptable.

If you are faced with this, immediately seek help. It is crucial to prioritize your safety above all else.

Final thoughts: trust issues

At the heart of every relationship is trust.

It is the column that holds the entire structure together, and without it, things can quickly collapse.

Emotional manipulation can severely damage this confidence, making you second-guess yourself and your feelings.

It is a traumatic experience that can leave deep emotional scars.

But remember that recognizing these signs is the first step towards change.

Understanding what is happening allows you to regain control and pave the way for healthy communication and relationships.

Your feelings are true, your experiences are real, and if you are in a situation where you feel manipulated or disrespected, there is no need to stay that way.

There is help available, and it’s okay to look for it.

After all, everyone deserves to be in a relationship where they feel loved, respected, and most importantly, trusted.