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 tricky, especially in a relationship.

Emotional manipulation is a subtle art of coercion, where your partner uses certain behaviors to sway your decisions or emotions to their favor, often disregarding your feelings.

On the other hand, emotional support helps you feel secure and respected in your relationship, with both partners considering each other’s emotions and needs.

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

Let’s dive into the tell-tale signs that your partner might be emotionally manipulating you.

Trust me, this knowledge can save you from a lot of heartache down the line.

1) They often play the victim

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

Emotional manipulators can expertly turn the tables on you.

One moment you’re addressing a concern, and the next, they’ve somehow become the wronged party.

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

They’re essentially deflecting responsibility for their actions.

If your partner frequently makes you feel like the bad guy when you’re trying to address issues or express your feelings, it might be a sign of emotional manipulation.

It’s a way for them to gain sympathy and control while making you second-guess yourself.

Though, it’s not about blaming anyone.

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

2) They twist your words

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

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

I told him that I felt neglected whenever he spent too much time at work without checking in.

Instead of understanding my concern, he turned the discussion into how I didn’t appreciate his effort to provide for us, completely twisting my words and my intent.

Twisting words is a tactic manipulators use to make you doubt your thoughts and feelings.

It’s their way of controlling the narrative and turning the situation to their advantage.

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

It’s essential to recognize this behavior and address it to maintain healthy communication in your relationship.

3) They use guilt trips

An emotional manipulator’s arsenal is incomplete without guilt trips.

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

Did you know that guilt is such a strong emotion that it can even 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 can be.

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

To protect your mental and physical well-being, establish clear boundaries in response to these signals.

4) They gaslight you

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

This technique can be so subtle that it’s hard to recognize, but it’s devastatingly effective.

If your partner consistently denies your experiences, contradicts your memories, or makes you feel like you’re overreacting or imagining things, they 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 might be time to seek support and confront the situation. 

5) They give you the silent treatment

The silent treatment, also known as stonewalling, is a form of emotional manipulation that can be incredibly damaging.

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

If your partner often withdraws, refuses to speak, or ignores you when you have disagreements or when they’re upset with you, it might 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.

6) They make you feel insignificant

Every person deserves to feel valued and loved in a relationship.

But emotional manipulators often belittle or dismiss their partners’ feelings, needs, or achievements, making them feel insignificant.

If your partner frequently undermines your accomplishments or dismisses your feelings as unimportant or silly, it could be a sign of emotional manipulation.

This behavior can slowly erode your self-esteem, making you feel like you’re not good enough or that your thoughts don’t matter.

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

7) They control your social life

Building and maintaining social connections is an integral part of our lives.

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

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

Friends gatherings became a source of conflict, and slowly, I found myself drifting away from people I cared about to avoid confrontations.

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

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

It’s 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 where you feel you can’t function without them.

They may convince you that you’re incapable of making decisions, managing your finances, or even taking care of yourself.

If your partner continually insists on making all the decisions or insists that you’re incapable without their help, they could be manipulating 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 is making you feel otherwise, it’s essential to address the issue and reclaim your independence.

9) They threaten or intimidate you

The most alarming sign of emotional manipulation is if your partner resorts to threats or intimidation. This behavior is not just manipulative, but it’s also abusive.

If your partner threatens to leave, harm themselves, or punish you in some way if you don’t comply with their demands, it’s a clear sign of manipulation.

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

Every individual deserves to feel safe and respected in a relationship.

Threats and intimidation are never acceptable.

If you’re experiencing this, seek help immediately. It’s crucial to prioritize your safety above all else.

Final thoughts: Trust matters

At the heart of every relationship is trust.

It’s the pillar that holds the entire structure together, and without it, things can quickly crumble.

Emotional manipulation can severely damage this trust, leaving you second-guessing yourself and your feelings.

It’s a distressing experience that can leave deep emotional scars.

But remember, recognizing these signs is the first step toward change.

Understanding what’s happening allows you to take back control and pave the way for healthier communication and relationships.

Your feelings are valid, your experiences are real, and if you’re in a situation where you feel manipulated or disrespected, it doesn’t have to stay this way.

There’s help available, and it’s perfectly okay to seek it.

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