5 Warning Signs You May Be Being Emotionally Manipulated

Spotting emotional manipulation isn’t always easy — especially when it hides behind subtle gestures. From guilt-tripping to twisting the truth, these tactics can quietly creep into relationships. In this article, we’ll share 5 warning signs to help you identify toxic patterns and protect your peace of mind.

They flatter you instead of complimenting you.

There’s a difference, and it’s all in the intention. A compliment has no ulterior motive behind it, while flattery is a façade of kindness that seems good, but a person is actually using it to get something out of another person. This is usually the first step of manipulation, according to experts, and it can be dangerous, because if a person whom you consider to be a friend can manipulate you, they can control your actions and thoughts.

Why is this harmful?

• While a genuine compliment from a friend can improve your mental health, a disingenuous one doesn’t — it might even leave you feeling confused.

Playing the victim.

Emotional manipulators often paint themselves as victims, even when they’re the ones causing the problem. By constantly shifting the blame onto you or others, they avoid taking responsibility for their actions. They may say, “I always get treated unfairly,” or “No one ever appreciates what I do for them,” which can make you feel sorry for them and question your own role in the situation.

Gaslighting.

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where the manipulator makes you question your own reality or perception of events. They might deny things they’ve said or done, saying things like, “That never happened,” or “You’re just imagining it.” This can cause you to doubt your own memories and feelings, leaving you unsure of what’s real and what’s not.

Withholding affection or communication.

Another manipulative behavior is withholding affection, love, or communication as a form of punishment. They may give you the silent treatment or pull away emotionally when things don’t go their way. This creates a cycle of tension and anxiety, where you’re constantly trying to win back their approval or love, even when you’ve done nothing wrong.

They love bomb you.

Your friend can overwhelm you with too much attention, gifts, compliments, or affection very quickly in the friendship. And at first, it feels amazing and exciting. But it’s over-the-top and can take over your time and emotions. As Maggie Holland, a therapist, explains, once you’re hooked, that attention may suddenly stop, leaving you feeling confused and chasing after it.

Wanting to feel loved and appreciated in a friendship is normal, so you shouldn’t blame yourself if you’ve experienced this. The other person is at fault for using that desire to their advantage.

Here you can read an article about the habits of happy couples.