‘If You Really Love Me…’: Signs You’re Being Manipulated In Relationships & How To Break Free – News18
Last Updated:
Manipulative people control you through guilt-tripping, gaslighting, silent treatment, playing the victim card, and blackmail. To protect yourself, set clear boundaries and learn to say “no.”
If someone repeatedly makes you feel guilty, understand that it is manipulation. (News18 Hindi)
Trust, honesty, and respect are the most important foundations for maintaining any relationship. However, some people may manipulate you by taking advantage of your simplicity and innocence. They slowly begin to shape your thoughts and decisions in their favour, to the extent that you do not even realise you are following their instructions.
Many people fall into this manipulation trap and start losing their self-worth, thinking they are doing something wrong, but the reality is different. It is important to escape this situation at the right time; otherwise, it can lead to serious harm to your mental and physical health. Here are some ways to help you recognise whether you are falling prey to such manipulation and the tactics used by manipulative people, and how to protect yourself from this situation.
How Do Manipulative People Control You?
Guilt Tripping
“If you really love me, then…”
They make you feel guilty and pressure you into making decisions that benefit them. You may feel that if you do not comply, you are selfish or a bad person. They emotionally blackmail you by playing on your feelings.
How to avoid it?
If someone repeatedly makes you feel guilty, understand that it is manipulation. Set clear boundaries and learn to say “no” confidently.
Gaslighting
“You are overreacting for no reason!”
This is a dangerous manipulation technique where the other person makes you doubt your own thoughts and perceptions. They lie, twist the truth, and blame you, making you question your intelligence and feel as if the mistake is yours.
How to avoid it?
If someone constantly invalidates your feelings and confuses you, stay cautious. Trust your instincts and, if needed, talk to a trusted friend for clarity.
Silent Treatment
“I won’t talk to you until you listen to me!”
They deliberately ignore you to hurt your feelings. They will refuse to speak until you do what they want, making you feel as though everything is your fault.
How to avoid it?
No one has the right to emotionally manipulate you. If someone gives you the silent treatment, do not let it control you. Ignore their behaviour and do not give in to their demands.
Playing the Victim Card
“I always do everything for you, but you do nothing for me!”
They seek your sympathy by portraying themselves as victims. They make you feel as if their life has become difficult because of you, making it easier to manipulate you into agreeing with them.
How to avoid it?
Remember, every relationship should be based on equality. If someone constantly makes you feel guilty, keep your distance and set firm boundaries.
Threats and Blackmail
“If you don’t do this, something bad will happen!”
They try to intimidate you through emotional, financial, or mental blackmail. They make you feel that if you do not comply, there will be serious consequences.
How to avoid it?
Do not succumb to threats. If the situation is serious, seek help from a trusted person or take legal action if necessary.
How to Identify If You Are Being Manipulated?
Are you always made to feel guilty? Have you started doubting your own thoughts and feelings? Do you feel that someone else has more control over your life? Are you constantly neglecting your own needs to keep someone else happy? If the answer to these questions is “yes”, then you may be a victim of manipulation.
How to Avoid This Situation
- Learn to say “no”.
- Validate your feelings.
- Maintain equality in relationships.
- Do not give them the right to control you.
- Trust, but do not submit blindly.
- Set boundaries and do not let them destroy your peace.
