How To Identify Emotional Manipulation: 5 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

emotional-manipulation
Image Credit: Pexels/ Keira Burton

It is challenging for someone blindly in love to identify emotional manipulation. Everyone but themselves could be aware of their predicament. Victims find themselves in this situation mostly because that is all they’ve had to endure. Hence, they do not know otherwise. It is worth noting that people who manipulate others emotionally are consistent in their ways. However, they carefully select their prey and are impressive behavior observators.

What Is Emotional Manipulation?

True love is built on communication, forgiveness, trust, and fidelity. If these factors are present, they boost self-confidence and make the romance more enjoyable. In a situation where most of these qualities aren’t enjoyed, one party is exploited. Some deceitful people hold on to the fact that their lover trusts them hopelessly. Rather than return the favor, they manipulate their emotions. But since these signs may be subtle and almost unseen by people in a romance, how do they stop it?

5 Signs That Show Emotional Manipulation

It takes effort and consistency to overturn a situation, especially when emotions are involved. However, knowing what to expect from manipulators makes it easier to avoid them. The pointers are:

Getting Vulnerable Too Quickly

Since the goal is to manipulate, such a person would be very open even from the first date. They may share what is considered very personal. But this doesn’t get out without a price. In the end, they hope to extract more personal details from their date. This vulnerability also aims at making the other person feel special. They choose lines, convincing people that they have never shared such secrets with anyone. Do not be quick to let out sensitive information about yourself.

Allowing Others To Speak Very Freely

The general rule of emotional manipulation would be to convince others that their words matter even if it doesn’t. Manipulators allow their victims to share more about themselves and their views. Once the other person’s perception is out, the perpetrator uses it to set the tone.

Nothing Is Really As It Seems

When conflict arises, someone hoping to manipulate emotions would often gaslight. On top of that, they throw around petty lies and alter the truth. This is done to avoid looking like the originator of the conflict. They also play the blame game perfectly. While the innocent one may accept guilt for peace to reign, it adversely affects their self-confidence.

There’s Always Something To Prove

They always want to bask in the expanse of their intellect. So they confuse people with intellectual jargon and studies in the hope of sounding smart. But their target is also to manipulate people emotionally to agree with their views.

Takes Off The Accountability Hat

Not once do they accept responsibility for their actions. They hardly apologize and would try to downplay the consequences of their actions. In serious cases, such people try to gaslight to work their way out of guilt. Thereby making the other person feel silly for airing their concerns.

Final Note

It is best not to get entangled with emotional manipulators. But if it happens, try to find your way out instantly. Failure to act promptly may lead to bigger problems that could affect your health and well-being generally. There is always someone who would show genuine love and concern. Getting rid of manipulators boosts a person’s confidence level and quality of life.

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