Trusting Your Gut in Relationships
Mar 22, 2024
Looking back, it's easy to see when things went wrong. However, in the moment, it can be tough to realize when someone is manipulating us. Manipulation happens when someone uses tactics to mess with our emotions and thoughts, aiming to gain power over us. The manipulator wants control and privileges, often at our expense.
Manipulators are clever at finding our weaknesses and exploiting them. They use our insecurities against us, isolate us, and make us dependent on them. By asking personal questions, they gather information to control our decisions. Common tactics include guilting, complaining, comparing, and blaming. Manipulators may lie, deny, or pretend to be incompetent to get what they want. They excel at twisting reality, making us question ourselves.
Two manipulation techniques are the "foot in the door" and "foot in the face." The first starts with a small request leading to bigger ones, while the second begins with a big request followed by a seemingly smaller one.
To identify manipulation, trust your gut. If someone makes you afraid or obligated to help, induces guilt, or constantly makes you question yourself, they might be manipulating you. Emotional and mental effects, like feeling constantly wrong or unfair, can also be indicators.
To reduce manipulation, set clear boundaries. Be direct about what you want and address manipulation when necessary. Seek support from someone not under the manipulator's influence. Having an outside perspective, especially in relationships, can provide valuable insights.
