Relationships can very smoothly turn into toxic relationships due to certain patterns of behavior that can be harmful to those involved. Relationships require equal amounts of effort, understanding, trust, and loyalty to create a healthy space for communication and exchange of feelings and emotions. However, in some cases, it may not be a level playing field. “Emotional manipulation techniques are used frequently in relationships, so it's important to learn to differentiate between them. They can play with your emotions and exploit your insecurities, or they can gas you by making you question your understanding of reality. writing techniques,” writes psychologist Alf Rockelzen.
Here are some manipulative techniques commonly used to control people in relationships.
Also read: Recognizing covert operations: Warning signs to look out for
I'm currently using WhatsApp.Click to join
Moving the goalposts: In this case, the standards for what makes the other person happy are constantly changing, causing the other person to feel overwhelmed and work even harder to maintain satisfaction in the relationship.
generalization: Certain terms are used to solidify a pattern of behavior that condemns the other person and makes them feel bad about their every move.
change the subject: When a difficult conversation comes up, constantly changing the subject to avoid or escape from it is a classic red flag.
gaslighting: Making someone feel like their reality is wrong and trying to manipulate them into believing in a different reality is known as gaslighting.
passive aggressiveness: In this case, negative emotions are expressed in an indirect way, rather than sitting down and talking to find a solution.
lies and denials: People sometimes try to manipulate their emotions when they are lying or trying to hide the truth.
target anxiety: In this case, a person may try to zoom in and bring up other people's insecurities with the purpose of hurting others.
ignore: Constantly ignoring your partner as a way to punish them can create a sense of disconnect in your relationship.
collude: This involves banding together with other people for the purpose of manipulating someone or making them feel bad about themselves.
evoke fear: Using fear as a tool to manipulate someone to get things done a certain way is a harmful behavior.
