PSYCHOLOGY
Recognizing Emotionally Manipulative Phrases in a Relationship
“You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.” ― Abraham Lincoln
It is essential to maintain a healthy connection in a relationship. Hence, recognizing toxic, manipulative behavior, especially in communication, is important early on.
There are many indicators of such toxic behavior. But there are also more subtle ones that usually go unnoticed until it’s too late. In order to address them properly, you need to be able to identify them as early as possible.
Protecting your emotional well-being from manipulative statements, behaviors, or experiences might sound like a daunting task, but you should know that it is crucial in maintaining a healthy relationship.
The first step in addressing this behavior is recognizing whether or not your partner is using emotionally manipulative language. This list will help you identify some of the terms you need to be cautious of, particularly if you’re in a long-distance relationship.
Recognizing Manipulative Phrases
Gaslighting
When the other person gaslights you, they use your perceptions to undermine your self-esteem. They bombard you with comments such as “You’re thinking too much” or “You’re too dramatic.” They also use derogatory language, slurs, and accusations that make you question yourself.
Emotional Blackmail
When your partner makes emotional threats against you, that is known as emotional blackmail. Emotional blackmail is characterized by the use of phrases such as “You’ll eventually regret it.” Threats of self-harm are another form of emotional blackmail.
Love Bombing
They overindulge in showing you affection in order to make you dependent. When this occurs, you get too attached to them to the point where you won’t know what to do when they leave. They smother you with pretentious phrases like “You are my only one” or “You are too precious to let go.”
Guilt-inducing language
One of the worst forms of manipulation you can experience in a relationship is guilt-tripping. You get the impression that you are accountable for their own deeds. They are able to convince you that certain unfortunate events are your fault. It’s true that statements like “I can’t believe you would do this to me after everything I have done for you,” might make you feel bad about something they’ve done.
Silent Treatment
Silence is one of the deadliest emotional weapons someone can use against you, when it comes to communication. They use it as a means of control over you. They stop showing you love, avoid talking to you, and give you the cold shoulder. While this manipulative tactic doesn’t use phrases, it is one of the most effective manipulation techniques one can use against you.
Anybody can be duped, and it is often the victim of the manipulation that bears the guilt of the interaction. For this reason, being able to spot deceptive strategies in a relationship is essential. You can develop a defensive system against emotional abuse once you recognize these indicators.
In any relationship, it is critical to establish communication and clear limits. By setting clear boundaries, remaining composed, actively listening, seeking clarification rather than provoking conflict, avoiding blaming others, and maintaining accountability, you can create and preserve a robust relationship through healthy communication.
Reference:
Hanselman, K., et.al., 2023. Understanding and dealing with emotional manipulation tactics. Thriveworks.
https://thriveworks.com/help-with/category/emotional-manipulation-tactics/#:~:text=Keep%20things%20cool%3A%20Don't,%E2%80%9D%20statements%3A%20Own%20your%20feelings.
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