8 signs that someone is secretly manipulating you

1. You guys are conflicted because of petty things

It’s one of the common manipulator behaviors at the beginning of a relationship. They can argue over very trivial things.

Basically, they are aware that you are trying to avoid conflict, so they make you give up by being aggressive, causing trouble over small things. Such people always want to control even the smallest aspect of your life.

Advice:

Always remember that you are in charge of your life and make sure you have the opportunity to choose what works for you. Set your boundaries and don’t let anyone violate them.

2. You feel like you’re always doing what you don’t want

If you constantly feel like you’re doing something you don’t want to, you may be being manipulated. In this situation, it is important to listen to your inner voice and understand exactly why you are not feeling comfortable, why you are trying to convince yourself that everything is okay instead of solving the problem. Chances are you are afraid of being rejected by someone or don’t want to cause trouble.

Advice:

Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to tell someone what you think. If they really appreciate you, they will talk calmly and you will be able to find common ground between the two of you.

3. They use relationships as bait

Manipulators make you feel like you have to constantly prove you love them by doing what they want. They may use saying, “If you love me, you should…” to convince you that you haven’t done enough for them and must feel guilty about it.

Advice:

You need to make sure that your own needs and wants are just as important as those of your partner, loved one, or friend. If you feel there is an imbalance, make a change.

4. They don’t say directly what they want

Manipulators like to play mind games. They twist what you say, lie to you, or “put words” in what you say. This way of communicating makes them feel like they have an intellect that is superior to others.

Advice:

Instead of letting someone hint and you try to read their mind, emphasize clear and honest communication.

5. You find yourself losing your privacy

Manipulators question everything you say and do. They can call you to check where you are, even set location to track you as well as activity on phone, e-mail… However, such people are often secretive and tend to hide things from you.

Advice:

Each person needs to have their own boundaries that others are not allowed to cross. Make sure that in any relationship, your privacy is respected at all times.

6. You feel disrespected

This is another thing that manipulators often do. They try to make you think that they are better than you and that you really need them in your life more than they need you. They look down on you and make you feel insecure in order to feel psychologically superior.

Advice:

Don’t let anyone else do it to you, even under the label “just kidding”. If it’s people who don’t appreciate and respect you, you have every right to walk away.

7. They make you spend less time with family and friends

Real needy people don’t care about your happiness even though they often appear to think for you. They will do their best to keep you away from the people who truly care about you, not letting your loved one help you realize this manipulation.

Advice:

If you feel this is right for your situation, try to restore your good relationships, communicate and spend more time with family members. If they all tell you that someone is really bad, listen and consider what they have to say.

8. They tend to exaggerate

Manipulators like to use big words. For example: They might say things like, “There’s no one in this world who loves me” to make you feel sorry for them, feel sorry for them, and ignore the ambiguities and holes in their story. mentioned earlier.

Advice:

Make sure your communication with these people is as direct and clear as possible. This is how you extinguish in them the intention to manipulate you.