Their intent is to have power and control over others to get what they want.
Over time, manipulative behavior can become part of your partner’s everyday dynamic.
Signs of Manipulation in a Relationship
What is manipulative behavior?
Verywell / Laura Porter
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They might blatantly lie or exaggerate things to portray themselves in a more positive light.
They Love Bomb You
Love bombing is another key sign that you’re being manipulated.
It includes “bombing” you with big displays of affection at the onset of the relationship.
A love bomber’s ultimate goal is controlto trap you in a cycle of abuse and codependency.
Love bombing can lead to other manipulative behaviors like gaslighting and coercion.
Your partner might threaten you by saying they’ll hurt themselves.
They are using the threat ofself-harmto get you to do what they want.
They may or may not actually hurt themselvesbut self-harm should always be taken seriously.
Someone who threatens to hurt themselves should seek counseling from a mental healthcare professional.
Give You the Silent Treatment
Another sign of emotional manipulation is if your partner withdraws from you.
Maybe they give you the silent treatment if you are doing something they don’t want you to do.
Consequences of Manipulation
Think you’ve been or are being manipulated in your relationship?
Here are some common signs:
Why Do People Accept or Tolerate Manipulation in Relationships?
A person may come to believe that they are to blame for their partner’s behavior.
They may fear defending themselves, leaving their partner, or being alone.
They may also lack thesocial supportto help them leave a manipulative relationship.
They might have had to manipulate to get basic needs met or avoid harsh punishment.
It is important to understand that manipulation is a form of emotional blackmail and learn how to respond.
Emotional manipulation needs to be addressed, whether you are the target or the perpetrator.
The first step is admitting that you’re in an emotionally manipulative relationship.
Consider having an honest and direct conversation with your partner to address the manipulation.
If you are being manipulated, you might name specific examples of their behavior and how it affects you.
Be specific in describing the forms of manipulation and your feelings in response to them.
I’d like to feel connected with you; is this something you are open to talking about?"
Can we have an honest talk about what is happening?"
A therapist can provide suggestions for better communication.
have a go at have a discussion with your partner about what is acceptable behavior and what isn’t.
you’re gonna wanna set specific consequences of boundaries as well.
If possible, you may need to find another place to live if you live with your partner.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Recap
If you are experiencing manipulation in your relationship, don’t minimize the behavior.
You and your loved ones deserve honest and loving communication.
If you are experiencing manipulation in a relationship, take steps to address the behavior before it becomes worse.
Stanford University.The ethics of manipulation.
Sweet PL.The sociology of gaslighting.Am Sociol Rev.
2018;6:e4831.
