It’s not easy to identify when you are being manipulated. It happens when someone says or does something to illicit a certain response from you – one that harms you, and that benefits them.
A lot of us would have experienced manipulation while we were at school, but this form of bullying isn’t just reserved for recess. People of all backgrounds, ages, genders and personalities use it everyday. You might experience it at work, in a friendship group, or within your own family system. And that’s where it gets complex – sometimes the people who manipulate us are the ones we love the most.
Due to this, we often doubt we are being taken advantage when someone is manipulating us. In fact, we will jump to the conclusion that we are the problem, are ‘over emotional’, that we ‘expect to much,’ or that we are simply not good enough. Some manipulators will even tell us these things outright.
A good sign that something is not quite right in a relationship, is that you feel uneasy around the person, and never quite know where you stand. Do you resonate with that? This infographic by Psychologia.co explains what a manipulator is, why they lash out, and the 11 signs you may be experiencing manipulation yourself.
In some cases, you may even identify as both the manipulator and the manipulated. Sometimes we are taught these habits from unhealthy leadership figures in our life, and sometimes we just don’t know how else to function or survive.
Take a look at the infographic and see if any of it resonates with you. Are you being manipulated? Are you manipulating other people? There is good news. You can break the cycle by changing how you respond. Each situation is different, but know this – you have the power to take back your space, hold yourself with integrity, and facilitate healthy relationships.
Is someone you care about manipulating you? Do you experience manipulation, or practice it to get your way? Contact Colleen on 0434 337 245, Duncan on 0434 331 243 or Rachel on 0422 177 193 for a FREE 10 minute consultation on how we can best help you or book online.
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