Is your partner emotionally manipulating you? Here are the signs

Emotional manipulation is one of the most common traits of a power-hungry partner who prioritises control over nourishing a relationship. Often comes packaged in sugar-coated words and behaviour, emotional manipulation is difficult to spot in the beginning. By the time the relationship progresses, it's difficult to get out of the trap, but not impossible.

Emotional manipulation is a type of psychological control in which a person uses various ways to influence someone’s emotional state for their own sake. This behaviour can make it hard to reflect and understand the situation and a person may feel they are completely responsible for the situation or action.

Here are 5 signs you are being emotionally manipulated by your partner:


Hot and cold behaviour

Does your partner often confuse you with their feelings? One moment they will show you all their love, give you attention, and talk to you for hours, and the next moment they will disappoint; they won't pick up calls, won't show effort, making you feel uncertain and not sure of where you stand. This inconsistent behavior is called hot and cold behavior. This can be very challenging and cause difficulty in reading the person.

Ignoring your feelings

Has it ever happened to you that you raise a concern, confront your partner, or express your emotions to seek support or care and they make you feel your concerns and emotions are invalid? They may say you are overreacting, making a scene, or overthinking. It's likely they pay no attention to your concern and this can make you doubt your concerns and emotions.

Victim card

Have you ever been in a situation where your partner portrayed themselves as a victim? They may make you feel that you are being unfair, treating them poorly, and not understanding them even though they are the ones at fault. They gain sympathy and avoid taking responsibility for their actions. You can find yourself apologizing to them for things you never did.


Gaslighting

One of the most trending and manipulative ways to get out of a situation is by trying to gaslight your partner. Gaslighting is an act where your partner denies reality; they will make you doubt your perspective and emotions. Rather than acknowledging and taking full responsibility for your action, they will believe that you are overreacting and that particular incident never happened, saying, “I am sorry you felt that way, but I never meant that or it never happened.”

Constant guilt

Does your partner constantly make you feel guilty about your emotions or the way you express yourself? If yes, then it's a clear sign that your partner is emotionally manipulating you. Putting one in constant guilt and regret can be very toxic and mean; you may start regretting your actions and feelings.