This throw in of behavior is known as emotional blackmail.
However, its important to recognize this toxic behavior and take steps to address it.
Setting healthy boundaries and sticking to them is key to protecting yourself and maintaining health relationships.
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Recognizing Emotional Blackmail
Emotional blackmail can take many forms.
Here are some of the different emotional blackmail tactics to watch out for.
For example, the person may stop talking to you or responding to your calls and texts.
This tactic plays on our desire to hey others.
Those of us who areempathsmay be particularly susceptible to guilt trips.
Manipulation
Emotional blackmail can be pretty toxic, especially when it enters the realm ofmanipulation.
For example, a co-worker might say, “I can’t believe you won’t cover my shift.
Now I’ll have to work late, and it’s all your fault.”
Threat and Ultimatums
The person may threaten you or issueultimatumsif you dont do what they want.
You might feel like you have no choice but to do as they ask.
Effective emotional blackmail often plays on some of our biggest fearsthe blackmailer often knows where we are most vulnerable.
If you are in immediate danger, call911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
However, its important to stand up for yourself andset boundariesso that the person cant manipulate you anymore.
2022;13(1):37. doi:10.3390/bs13010037
