If you recognize these 7 subtle signs, you’re probably being emotionally manipulated

My mom always said, “Trust your gut.” A simple, yet profound piece of advice that I’ve carried with me throughout my life.

Because, let’s face it, sometimes our gut instincts are far more reliable than we give them credit for. Particularly when it comes to our relationships.

But what happens when you’re not sure what your gut is telling you? Or worse, what if someone is trying to manipulate your feelings or warp your perception of reality? It’s a scary thought, isn’t it?

Emotional manipulation can be so subtle that you might not even realize it’s happening. But it can leave you feeling confused, unbalanced and questioning yourself.

So if you’re asking yourself “Am I being emotionally manipulated?” read on. Here are 7 subtle signs to look out for that indicate you might be a victim of emotional manipulation.

Remember this.

Identifying these signs is the first step towards reclaiming your power and regaining control of your life. And trust me, you’re stronger than you think.

This isn’t about pointing fingers or laying blame. It’s about understanding, awareness and empowerment.

So let’s get started!

1) You’re always the one to blame

Ever noticed how you’re always the one apologizing, even when you’re not entirely sure what you did wrong?

That’s a classic sign.

Emotional manipulators have a knack for turning things around, making you feel guilty for things that aren’t really your fault. They’re experts at playing the victim and twisting stories to their advantage.

It’s a subtle form of manipulation where they make you believe that you’re always the one messing up, the one causing problems. This can leave you in a constant state of self-doubt and confusion.

But here’s the truth.

No one is perfect and we all make mistakes. But if you find yourself constantly being blamed for every little thing that goes wrong, it’s time to take a step back and reassess the situation.

Remember, it’s not always about you. It’s about them.

2) Your feelings are often invalidated

I remember a time when I shared my concerns with a friend I thought I could trust. But instead of understanding or empathy, my feelings were dismissed and belittled.

It hurt.

“I’m just teasing,” they’d say. Or “you’re too sensitive.” Words that were meant to minimize my feelings, making me feel like I was overreacting or even worse, that I was the problem.

Sound familiar?

Manipulators are experts at invalidating your feelings. They’ll make you feel like your concerns aren’t important or valid. This is their way of dismissing your experience and asserting control over the situation.

But here’s something you should know.

Your feelings are valid. They are yours and nobody has the right to dismiss them or make you feel less for having them. Always remember that.

3) Your self-esteem seems to be dwindling

Let’s get straight to the point.

Have you noticed a change in the way you view yourself? Do you find yourself questioning your worth, your abilities, or your decisions more than before?

This could be a sign.

These people have a crafty way of slowly chipping away at your self-esteem. They may belittle your achievements, downplay your strengths, or constantly criticize you. All this to make you feel less confident, less capable, and more dependent on them.

It’s a tough pill to swallow.

Remember, your worth isn’t determined by anyone else but you. You’re more than capable. You are enough. So don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

4) You feel drained around them

Think about it.

Does spending time with them leave you feeling exhausted, upset or anxious? Do you find yourself needing to ‘recover’ after interacting with them?

That’s not a good sign.

Emotional manipulators can be draining. They often create drama, thrive on conflict and can leave you feeling emotionally depleted. It’s exhausting to be constantly walking on eggshells, fearing their next outburst or trying to keep them happy.

It’s important to understand this.

A healthy relationship should leave you feeling uplifted, not drained. If you constantly feel emotionally exhausted after interacting with someone, it might be time to reconsider that relationship.

5) They rarely take responsibility

Here’s a fact, straight up.

According to psychologists, one of the key traits of manipulators is their inability to take responsibility for their actions.

Interesting, right?

Instead, they’ll find a way to pass the blame onto others. Or, they’ll make excuses, justify their actions, or even deny that it happened at all.

It’s a tricky game they play.

But here’s what you need to remember.

Everyone makes mistakes. It’s a part of being human. Taking responsibility for our actions is a sign of maturity and integrity. If someone consistently avoids taking responsibility, it’s a sign that something is off.

6) They dismiss or belittle your dreams

I want you to know this.

Your dreams matter. Your aspirations, your goals, your passions – they’re all a part of who you are, and they’re important.

But here’s the thing.

Manipulators might try to dismiss or belittle your dreams. They might make you feel silly for having them, or make them seem unattainable or unrealistic.

It’s tough, I know.

But don’t let anyone dim your light. Your dreams are yours to pursue. And with determination, hard work and belief in yourself, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

7) They make you doubt your sanity

This is crucial.

Emotional manipulators often use a technique called ‘gaslighting’. It’s a form of manipulation where they make you question your reality, your memory, or even your sanity.

They might deny things that have happened, distort facts, or make you feel like you’re ‘losing it’. This can be incredibly disorienting and damaging.

Always remember this.

Trust in yourself, your memory, and your perception of reality. You’re not crazy. You’re not overreacting. You’re experiencing a form of manipulation that is not okay. Stand strong in your truth.

The final thoughts

If you’ve related to these signs, remember this – acknowledging that you’re being manipulated emotionally is the first step towards freedom.

These subtle signs are not your fault. You are not alone in this. Emotional manipulation is a common tactic used by people who seek to control others.

But here’s the silver lining.

You have the power to change your situation. You have the strength within you to break free from this cycle, to set boundaries and reclaim your emotional independence.

It’s not going to be an overnight process. Healing takes time and patience. But with every step you take towards asserting your emotional autonomy, you’re moving closer to a healthier, happier you.

Pay attention to your feelings. Trust your instincts. Speak your truth even when it’s uncomfortable. Surround yourself with people who respect and value you for who you are.

Remember, your worth is not defined by how others treat you, but how you treat yourself. Stand strong in your truth, value your emotions and never let anyone make you feel less than you are!

Ava Sinclair

Ava Sinclair is a former competitive athlete who transitioned into the world of wellness and mindfulness. Her journey through the highs and lows of competitive sports has given her a unique perspective on resilience and mental toughness. Ava’s writing reflects her belief in the power of small, daily habits to create lasting change.

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