Not All Relationships Are Built On Trust Or Respect
Relationships are supposed to be built on trust and mutual respect. But, like many things in life, they don’t always turn out that way.
Sometimes, Your Partner Can Become Manipulative
Sometimes, once-loving partnerships can turn down a dark path ripe with manipulation.
Here Are 7 Ways To Spot Manipulative Behavior In Your Partner
While recognizing the signs in your own relationship isn’t always easy, it’s crucial to protect yourself and your mental health. Here are some tell-tale signs to look out for.
1. Your Partner Always Plays The Victim
Does your partner continuously make you feel like the bad guy, even if they are blatantly in the wrong? Do they never own up to their mistakes and only ever throw the blame on you?
If you realize that your partner has a pattern of always playing the victim, it may be a sign that they’re trying to control your reactions and make you feel guilty.
2. Your Partner Knows Your Weaknesses And Isn’t Afraid To Use Them
In a relationship, you’re supposed to be able to open up and share the deepest parts of yourself with your partner without worrying about their opinions or reactions.
So, if your partner keeps using your insecurities against you, they are not playing fair. If you notice they’re continually bringing up things they know will hurt or upset you or crossing boundaries that you have clearly laid down, that’s a major red flag.
3. Everything Is A Transaction
A relationship is not a business deal. You’re not supposed to just check boxes and expect payouts in return.
That’s why if your partner is always keeping score and insisting that you owe them something, it might be a manipulation tactic to keep you feeling indebted. Remember, you don’t owe anyone anything. Love, respect, and care are mutually earned, not required.
4. They’re Cutting You Off From Friends And Family
It’s easy to get consumed in the honeymoon stage of a new relationship and take a step back from socializing with friends or family. But, as time goes on, you may notice that you are increasingly isolated from your social circle– even after the honeymoon stage has passed.
If your partner is consistently making it difficult for you to spend time with friends and family, they may be trying to gain more control over your life.
5. They Gaslight You
Gaslighting may seem like just a hot buzzword on social media right now, but it’s a very dangerous manipulation tool.
If your partner starts to deny things that they have clearly said or done and make you doubt your own memory or sanity, take it seriously. This is a strong sign of manipulation.
6. They Make You Feel Less Than
Nobody is perfect– that’s obvious. But a loving partner should want to build you up, not tear you down.
If you notice that they are constantly belittling you, putting down your accomplishments, or just generally making you feel unworthy, it’s time to question their motives.
7. They Give You The Silent Treatment
Manipulation isn’t always loud and confrontational. Sometimes, it reveals itself as a cold shoulder or a silent treatment. While this might seem less serious than some other manipulation tactics, it is just as concerning.
If your partner is using their silence to make you feel guilty, anxious, or uneasy, it’s a sign they are trying to control you.
Love Shouldn’t Hurt
No relationship is always filled with sunshine and rainbows, but the love and mutual respect you both share should take precedence. If these signs sound familiar, it might be time to take a closer look at your relationship and realize that your partner might not have your best interest at heart.
Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can provide you with personalized insights tailored to your situation. And remember, trusting your instincts is often the first step to recognizing manipulation.
By Katharina Buczek
Katharina Buczek graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Digital Arts. Specializing in... More about Katharina Buczek
