10 Signs of Emotional Manipulation In A Relationship - Psychology Tactics

10 Signs of Emotional Manipulation In A Relationship - Psychology Tactics. Presented by Anna

Intro: What is emotional/psychological manipulation?

Psychological or emotional manipulation involves influencing someone thoughts and emotions as a way to control them. This can be done through crafty and abusive practices, oftentimes unhealthy to the victim.

Manipulators will use the victim’s weaknesses or vulnerabilities against them. They exploit these so that they can achieve their own goals, not caring how it will harm the victim.

In today’s video we’re taking a look at 10 ways people can emotionally manipulate someone to get what they want. By knowing some of these tactics, you’ll be more aware if it happens to you.


1. They invite you to their space

The first step a manipulator will try to make to take control over a situation is having control over the territory. It could be inviting you to their home or office, it’s a control thing to make you feel like a guest, this way you’re less likely to speak up.


2. They will carefully listen first

Whilst it might seem like they’re being polite, what they’re actually doing is trying to find things to criticize or use against you. They’ll let you talk forever if it means they can gather up more things to use against you either to your face or behind your back

3. They will twist the facts

You could have been as clear as day about what you wanted, needed or said but they’ll still find a way of altering the truth so it works in their favour. You may notice they just brush it off with the likes of “oh well you really meant this”, that’s to put you on the defensive.


4. They overwhelm you with information

They do this to confuse you. If they pile on enough information that it’s too much to handle or you don’t have the time to deal with it, you’re more likely to just agree to whatever it is they were aiming for.

5. They speak louder

Emotional manipulators do this all the time. They think that if they just talk louder it makes them appear smarter and it makes them right. This can feel quite intimidating as they do it to make you submit. In a room of people they could talk louder and over everyone else to gain control of the room and then you have no choice but to listen to them.

6. They’re negative

Emotional manipulators often aren’t happy people and it shows in their life and at their work. Some of these manipulators think that if they can control someone else, it will make them happier because they have control over someone. In reality it just makes life worst for everyone.

7. They will often make use of ultimatums

Ultimatums are a favourite for emotional manipulators. They’ll make out that if you don’t have something done by a certain time, then you’ll spoil the whole thing. As an example being ready to go out for a certain time and if you miss it you’ll no longer go out at all.

8. They’ll make fun of you

It might seem like just a small jokey comment. But if you notice that they’ve specifically targetted something you know that they’re aware is a big deal to you, it’s not so light hearted. It may be a comment about how you’ve done your hair or how you’ve dressed but you know they’ve said it to really hurt you.


9. They judge you infront of others

An emotional manipulator will see no problem with calling you out for doing something wrong in front of everyone, even if it’s just a case of not doing it the way they would have done it. In fact, you’ll probably notice it’s often wrong unless it’s done their way. They get a kick out of embarrassing you infront of other people and showing off their power over you.

10. They make you question yourself

This is something emotional manipulators excel at. It’s a classic gaslighting, an emotional and psychological abuse tactic that causes the victim to question their own sanity and/or reality.

In today's video we take a look at signs of emotional manipulation and tactics used by those who use manipulation in relationships. Do you know of any other signs of manipulation in relationships? Please comment below as it would really help out the community.

If you enjoy our videos please be sure to subscribe. Every day we publish new content on psychology, psychological tips, relationship advice, interesting facts and more. Push the bell notification so you never miss an upload.