No one wants to think they’re being manipulated. But it can be hard to spot the signs especially if you’re in a relationship with someone who’s good at it. If you’re worried that your partner may be manipulating you. 8 signs of manipulators in a relationship will help you to figure out what you need to know about a manipulator partner.
Since we’re social creatures, it’s only natural that most of us want to be in a relationship. And while there are many different types of relationships, some are more healthy than others. In this blog post, we’re going to discuss the signs of manipulators in a relationship and how to deal with them.
Partnerships with emotional or physical abuse may include forms of manipulation. Emotional manipulators, like a controlling girlfriend/boyfriend, are good at making their partner feel like they are on top of the world.
What is manipulation
Manipulation is defined as “the act of controlling or playing upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means. Especially to one’s own advantage.” In other words, it’s a way of getting what you want from someone by using underhanded methods. And while manipulation can occur in any type of relationship, it’s more common in romantic relationships. So, if you suspect that you’re being manipulated in your relationship. These are some signs to look out for.
Manipulation in a relationship can be hard to spot, but it’s important to be on the lookout for common warning signs. After all, no one deserves to be manipulated, controlled, or taken advantage of by their partner. If you’re concerned that your relationship might be heading down an unhealthy path, here are some red flags to watch out for.
Your partner is always right
One of the most common signs of manipulation is when your partner is always right even when they’re not. If your partner regularly gaslights you or tries to make you doubt your own memory and perception, that’s a huge red flag. If you find yourself constantly questioning yourself or doubting your instincts. That’s a sign that something isn’t right in your relationship.
In a healthy relationship, both partners are equally capable of being wrong and that’s OK! But in a manipulative relationship, one partner always has to be right and the other always has to be wrong. This type of dynamic can be extremely toxic and often leads to simmering resentment.
Your partner threatens you
Threats are another common sign of manipulation. This can range from explicit threats (like “If you leave me, I’ll hurt myself”) to more subtle forms of coercion (like “If you don’t do what I want. I’ll find someone who will”). Either way, it’s not OK for your partner to make threats in order to control your behavior. 8 signs of manipulators in a relationship.
Your partner uses ultimatums
Another sign of manipulation is when your partner uses ultimatums to get what they want. For example, they might say something like, “If you don’t do X, I’m leaving.” Ultimatums are a form of control and can be very harmful to a relationship. If your partner regularly threatens to leave or end the relationship unless you do what they want. That’s kind of attitude is not healthy or normal.
Your partner gaslights you
Gaslighting is a form of mental manipulation that’s designed to make you question your own reality. For example, your partner might say something like “You’re just imagining things”. However, after they do something hurtful even though you know what really happened. This can be an extremely confusing and frustrating experience. So it’s important to be on the lookout for signs of gaslighting in your relationship.
Your partner is always putting you down
When your partner is constantly putting you down or making critical remarks about you. It’s another horrible sign of manipulation. This type of behavior is known as verbal abuse, and it’s a form of emotional manipulation. If your partner regularly makes comments that make you feel bad about yourself, that’s not healthy.
Your partner withdraws affection as punishment
A healthy relationship is built on trust, mutual respect, and unconditional love, not on fear or coercion. So if your partner withdraws affection as punishment (for example, by giving you the silent treatment). This is a major red flag that something is wrong with the relationship. Withholding love should never be used as a weapon. It’s one of the 8 signs of manipulators in a relationship.
Your partner controls all the money
Another common sign of manipulation is when one person in the relationship controls all the money and makes all the financial decisions. This type of financial control can be very harmful to a relationship and can lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety. If your partner controls all the money in the relationship. And doesn’t allow you to have any saying in financial decisions. That’s the manipulation of the highest order and it’s not normal or healthy for anyone in a relationship.
Your partner constantly criticizes you
Although it’s normal for couples to occasionally point out each other’s flaws. But it’s not healthy if this becomes a regular occurrence. If your partner is constantly criticizing you. It’s possible that they’re trying to manipulate your behavior by making you feel bad about yourself. This kind of behavior is never acceptable in a healthy relationship.
Your partner guilt trips you
One of the most common signs of manipulation is when your partner tries to guilt trip you into doing things their way. For example, they might say something like, “If you really loved me, you would take out the trash without me having to ask you.” This type of manipulation is not only unfair it’s also a form of emotional blackmail.
Other signs to watch out for are these
You feel like you have to walk on eggshells around your partner.
They try to control what you do, who you see, and where you go.
Your partner bullies you into doing what they want. These 8 signs of manipulators in a relationship are eye-opening to your partner’s negative behavior.
Warning Signs You’re in a Manipulative Relationship
Manipulation can be hard to identify, but it’s important to be on the lookout for these signs in any relationship romantic or otherwise. If you’re concerned that your partner may be manipulating you. Voice out, it’s important to talk to them about it directly. Manipulative behavior is not healthy or normal. If your partner refuses to change their behavior after being confronted about it. Then that’s not a good sign for the future of the relationship.
How to handle a manipulating partner
If any of these warning signs sound familiar, it’s important to reach out for help. Whether that means talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeing a therapist, or even leaving the relationship altogether. There are steps you can take to protect yourself from further manipulation. You deserve to be in a healthy, supportive, and loving relationship, not one that’s built on control and fear.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, then it’s time to have a conversation with your partner about manipulation and how it’s affecting your relationship. Remember, though, that these conversations can be difficult and emotional. So, it might be helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor beforehand so that they can help facilitate the conversation in a productive way.
Manipulative Relationships: Signs to Watch Out For
Also read: Where Men Love to Be Touched