How to Avoid Being Manipulated in a Relationship Now

I won’t sugarcoat it — the dating world can be a minefield of deception and manipulation. Fortunately, you can develop an essential skill that will protect your heart and empower you to identify the genuine connection you deserve. Everyone wants to influence their partner’s behavior or perceptions in some way. Manipulators use deceptive or abusive tactics. They may try this directly or indirectly. It may seem harmless, just friendly and flattering. They may try to make you feel guilty or ashamed by complaining, blaming, or comparing you to others. In extreme cases, they may use rage, intimidation, or threats against you. In its worst form, it’s a cheater or an abusive partner who wants to control you or harm you. Any way they do it, these people are out for their interests, not yours.

But manipulation doesn’t only happen in a relationship. We are also potentially influenced by the advertisements, words, and actions of politicians, movies, the news, and more. Don’t forget that your dates, boyfriends, partners, boss, kids, or mother may also try to influence you sometimes. They may even have the best of intentions, but it may not be what you think is best for you.

Nobody Likes Being Manipulated

The problem with being manipulated is that it feels like you have been pushed or tricked into something you don’t want. You may feel like the other person has taken advantage of you. You feel better and more empowered when you make a conscious choice to do something.

But, here’s the most important point you want to get from this article: Nobody can manipulate you or make you feel bad about yourself unless you let them get away with it. It’s like what Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

If you feel manipulated, then this may seem like a strange idea. But understanding this concept can help you feel more powerful in every area of your life.

For example, let’s say you see the man you’re dating with another woman. When you mention it to him, he tells you that you must be imagining things or that you’re paranoid. You have two choices: you can assume he must be right about you, or you can wonder if he is defensive or not telling you the truth. In other words, you suspect it is his…