8 Signs You Are Being Manipulated By Your Lover

Sometimes, we end up manipulating our lovers to get things our way.We may do it intentionally just for fun, in an obvious manner.Or we may do it sneakily and subtly to get something without confronting out lovers.And it’s all fun and games for a while, as long as both partners realize that one of them is being arm-twisted into giving in.

But where do you draw the line?

How does your partner react to you when you decline them for something? Do they accept your decision respectfully when they realize you’re being serious?

Or do they keep quiet for a while only to bring up the request again a few hours later? Or do they try to force you to do as they say by threatening you or abusing you? Or do they withhold something be it sex, affection or by giving you the silent treatment until you give in?

It’s not easy to reflect within and ask yourself if you’re a victim of manipulation in your relationship. But everything starts with self realization. If you can accept the fact that you’re a victim of manipulation and emotional abuse, only then can you try to work your way out of the web of manipulation your partner has built around you.

# Anxiety

You feel anxious each time your partner wants to ask for a favor. You fear they may ask you something that you can’t do, and yet, you know you can’t deny them their request.

# You hate yourself

You hate yourself for being so weak. You realize your partner is using you or taking advantage of your niceness and your generosity, but you’re too timid to say it to their face.

# You can’t say no

You just can’t say no to them. Just the thought of turning them down or saying no seems like a crazy idea, and you feel helpless and weak each time you even try to say it. You know the right thing to do is say ‘no’ but you can’t bring yourself to say it.

# You hate awkward pauses

When your partner asks you to do something for them, you may be able to muster your courage and say ‘no’. But as they pause and stare at you for a few seconds, you can’t help but feel your stomach churn, and you give them an opportunity to use you

# You justify your actions

You try to reason with yourself and justify that you aren’t being manipulated. Instead, you try to convince yourself that it is you who wants to do the favor for your partner.

# You’re bad

You feel like a bad partner for turning your partner down, no matter what they ask of you.

# Expectations grow

Your partner always expects more from you. No matter what you do, or how much you do, they behave like they’re happy and pleased with your giving ways, but they always ask for more.

# You can’t shut up. You just can’t say a simple no and shut up

You have a deep need to explain yourself and your actions every time, to everyone. You want your partner to understand your mind and your reasons clearly. While your partner, on the other hand, is always vague or doesn’t justify the things they do.