11 Ways To Stop Getting Manipulated in a Relationship

Manipulation is a behavior in which one person tries to change the mind of another person without confronting them directly. So, you need to learn how to stop being manipulated. Manipulators use deception, trickery, and threats to get what they want, from people who are willing to give in to them.

Now all of us don’t fall for the tricks of a manipulator all the time. But there are instances when all of us can fall prey to manipulation, especially when we’re being used by someone we love and really care about.

The easiest way to see it is by understanding the way you feel around a person. When you feel powerless in the presence of someone, there’s a good chance that you’re being manipulated by them, whether you realize it or not!

# You’re the victim

Realize that you are a victim. Use the frustrations, the anger, and the resentment you feel each time you feel manipulated and try to convince yourself to act on your partner’s behavior.

Tell yourself that you deserve a better life that’s full of happiness and not deceit and trickery. Believe in the strength you have, and realize that you do have the power to say ‘no’ if you choose to.

# Communicate with your partner

Talk to your partner and explain how you feel each time you feel manipulated in the relationship. Remember, sometimes your partner may not realize that they’re manipulating you to get what they want.

Confronting them will give you the courage to decline them *because you’ve explained your need to decline their requests when you feel manipulated*.

# Recognize their emotional blackmails

Keep an eye on the way your partner tries to manipulate you. Do they try bullying you, intimidating you, or do they say something that makes you feel weak and want to give in?

Try to pinpoint the signs that make you feel vulnerable and used in the relationship.

# Take a stand

You may not be ready to say ‘no’ just yet. But you could at least take a stand when you don’t feel like doing something, right? If your partner asks you for something you don’t wish to do, explain yourself calmly and tell them why you don’t wish to do it.

You don’t have to say no right away. But you can try to explain why you don’t want to do something for them. Start with this, and your strength will grow.

You may feel really awkward the first few times, but your confidence will grow and you’ll regain your strength each time you say ‘no.’

# Principles in life

Sit down by yourself and ask yourself what you’re willing to accept and where you want to draw the line.

By setting boundaries and having clear principles in life and knowing when to stop doing favors for someone, it’ll help you recreate a whole new ‘you’ who’s more confident and clear about what’s right and what’s wrong.

# Learn to be assertive

Learn to say ‘no’ if you want to stop being manipulated. Read self-help books that can motivate you and help you take a stand.

Remind yourself that you’re an adult and no one has the right to manipulate you or bully you into doing something you don’t want to do.

# Get your independence

Most lovers who get bullied in a relationship allow it to happen only because they believe they are dependent on their partner. So learn to be independent in all ways *social, emotional, and financial* so you can have the strength to stand on your own feet again and reclaim your life.

# Respect and love yourself

If you don’t love yourself and believe you’re awesome, there’s no way you can ever stand up for yourself. You need to realize that you’re not a pushover.

Stop giving people the opportunity to use you by being firm and following your principles.

# Don’t give up

It’s very hard to make such a big change in your life, but it’s not impossible. Don’t give up and don’t stop hoping for a better life. You’re the only person who can stop you from a better life. So even if you fail and fall prey to emotional manipulation now and then, don’t give up. Just try harder the next time around.

# Build a support system

If you’re being manipulated by your lover, build a small support system with your family or your close friends.

Meet them often, stay busy in your own life, and when you have a hard time confronting the manipulation, use the help of your support system.

# Get stronger

Each time you find the strength to say ‘no’ to someone, be it a salesperson, a coworker, or even your partner, take a moment to experience the high and control over your life you feel right then. And use this strength to feel stronger, more in control of your own life, and learn how to stop being manipulated by someone.