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Emotional Manipulation in Relationships
Emotional manipulation can occur in any type of relationship. Whether it is a friend, family member or romantic partner. It can become a part of someone’s daily life without them realizing it, even if they are inflicting the manipulation.
Humans have their own set of wants, needs and interests that guide them through their lives. Manipulation is someone trying to control these aspects of another person. The two common ways are gaslighting and love bombing. Others are guilt, criticism, isolation, humiliation, threatening, blaming, accusing and infidelity.
Gaslighting is when someone tries to make another person doubt their memories and perception. The victim may feel a loss of confidence and self-esteem because they are being manipulated. This build-up takes time, but can ruin trust within themselves and their manipulator.
Each manipulation type can be reflected in a way of anger, disappointment, ridicule or guilt. Manipulators or abusers often punish their victims attempting to express their needs.
Love Bombing
Love bombing is when someone over-showers another person with love and affection at the beginning of a relationship. This is driven by the manipulator’s insecurities and inability to trust their loved ones. Which can eventually result in the victim being unsure of their boundaries in future relationships.
This type of behavior can stem from the manipulator’s childhood households. They were most likely surrounded by or victims of emotional manipulation tactics. Some people do not know another way to communicate and are not using manipulation intentionally. These experiences are ingrained, habitual or second nature. Commonly, people who have experienced abuse develop manipulative behaviors.
Each manipulation type is reflected in a way of anger, disappointment, ridicule or guilt. Manipulators or abusers often punish their victims attempting to express their needs.
Any type of emotional manipulation can create a sense of distrust and resentment between the victim and the manipulator. In fact, it can lead to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, substance and post traumatic stress disorder.
If there is a sign of harmful abuse or manipulation people can call the National Domestic Violence 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit the National Domestic Violence website.
