Have you ever been in a relationship where your partner is always controlling your every move? If so, you may be dating a manipulative person. While some signs may be obvious, others can be difficult to spot. Here are 10 signs that you’re dating a manipulative partner.
They make you feel like you can’t do anything right.
If your partner is always putting you down, criticizing your every move, and making you feel like you can’t do anything right, they are likely manipulative. This type of behavior is designed to make you feel helpless and dependent on them. They want their partner to think that they are incapable of doing anything without them. This way, they can control you more easily.
For example, they might say things like, “You can’t even make a simple dinner without burning it, or “You’re always forgetful. You’ll never be able to take care of yourself.”
They always have an excuse, and they make you feel guilty.
If your partner can never take responsibility for his actions but always has an excuse, he is likely manipulative. This type of person will never admit that they are wrong and will always find a way to blame their partner. They will also use guilt to control their partner. For example, they might say, “If you really loved me, you would have known what I wanted.”
Manipulative people are often very good at coming up with excuses for their behavior. If you’re questioning their actions, they will likely have a justification ready to go. This is another way of controlling their partner and keeping them in line.
For example, if you ask your partner why they were late, they might say, “I had a lot of work to do.” Or if you ask them why they didn’t call, they might say, “I forgot.”
A manipulative partner will often try to make their partner feel guilty as a way of controlling them. They may do this by playing the victim or making you feel like you’re the one who’s always causing problems. They may do this by threatening to leave them, ousting them from their social circles, or even threatening to harm themselves.
They always need to be right, and they are never wrong.
If your partner is never wrong, even when the evidence proves they are, this is a sign of manipulation. Manipulative people are often extremely defensive and will do anything to protect their image. They will never admit that they’re wrong, even if it’s clear as day.
If your partner always has to be right, even when they’re not, this is a sign of manipulation. A healthy relationship is built on mutual respect and compromise. If your partner can’t admit when they’re wrong, this is a sign that they are not respectful of you or your relationship.
Manipulative people often need to be right all the time. They can’t stand it when they are questioned or challenged. This is another way of controlling their partner and ensuring they stay in line.
If you ever disagree with your partner, they will likely become defensive and try to argue their point. They may even try to discredit your opinion or make you feel like you’re mistaken.
If your partner is always quick to defend themselves and seems to have an excuse for everything, they may be manipulative.
They control the finances.
If your partner is in charge of the finances, they may be manipulating you. This is because manipulative people often like to have control over their partners in every aspect of their life. They want to dictate how money is spent and what bills get paid.
If you’re not in charge of the finances and your partner is secretive about how money is spent, this could be a sign of manipulation. This is another way of limiting your independence and controlling you. A healthy relationship should be based on mutual trust and respect.
They isolate you from your friends and family.
Manipulative people often try to isolate their partners from their friends and family. This is because they want to be the only person their partner trusts and depends on. They don’t want their partner to have anyone else in their life that could offer them support or guidance.
If your partner is always making excuses for why you can’t see your friends or family, or if they’re trying to keep you away from them, then this is a sign of manipulation. They want to be the only person you rely on and talk to. This way, they can control you more easily.
They’re always lying.
Manipulative people are often dishonest and untrustworthy. They will lie about anything and everything just to get what they want. They may even lie about small things, like where they were or what they were doing.
Lying is a common tactic of manipulative people. If your partner is always lying to you, then it’s because they don’t trust you, and they don’t think that you can be trusted either. This is a sign that the relationship is not healthy and that it’s time to end things.
It’s important to be able to trust your partner, and if you can’t trust them, then it’s not worth your time.
For example, a manipulative person might say they had a lot of work to do when they were actually out with their friends. Or if you ask them why they didn’t call, they might say, “I forgot.”
They always put themselves first.
Manipulative partners always put themselves first. They never think about their partner’s feelings or needs and only care about what’s best for them. They will always try to get what they want, even if it means stepping on their partner’s toes.
If your partner never thinks about you, or if they always put their own needs before yours, this is a sign of manipulation. A healthy relationship should be based on mutual respect and cooperation. If your partner doesn’t care about you, they’re not worth your time.
They’re always dramatic.
Manipulative people often have a flair for the dramatic. They like to make a scene and get attention. This is another way of controlling their partner and keeping them in line.
If your partner is always drama, this is a sign of manipulation. It’s important to have a calm and peaceful relationship without all the drama. Your time is not worth it if your partner can’t keep themselves under control.
For example, your partner might start a huge argument for no reason or cry and act like they’re the victim. This way, they can get what they want, and you’ll be too busy dealing with the drama to think straight.
They always play the victim.
Manipulative people often like to play the victim. They act like they can’t do anything wrong and that everything is always someone else’s fault. This is another way of getting attention and control.
If your partner is always playing the victim, this is a sign of manipulation. A healthy relationship should be based on mutual trust and respect. If your partner can’t take responsibility for their actions, they’re not worth your time.
For example, if you ask them to do something and they say they can’t because they’re too busy, but then you see them out and about, they’re playing the victim.
They always need to be in control.
If your partner is always trying to control every aspect of your relationship, they might be a manipulator. From what you wear to what you say, a manipulative partner will always try to have the upper hand.
A manipulative partner always needs to be in control of the situation. They will often micromanage your life and try to control every aspect of it. This can be really frustrating and stifling.
If your partner is always trying to control you, this is a sign of manipulation. A trustworthy and understanding partnership should be founded on trust and respect. If your partner can’t trust you to make your own decisions, they’re not worth your time.
For example, if your partner tells you what you can and can’t wear or how to spend your time, they’re trying to control you. This is a sign of a manipulative partner.
Conclusion.
Manipulative partners are often very good at hiding their true intentions. If you feel that your partner is manipulating you, trust your gut instinct and take steps to protect yourself. There are red flags to watch out for in relationships, and if you see any of these signs, it’s time to get out before you get too invested. Have you ever been in a manipulative relationship? What were the warning signs?
Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Thank you!
Matthew Mansour is a professional life coach, fitness trainer, health coach, a blogger with over 800 articles published to date. He enjoys reading and researching books that are reflective of the nature of who we are as humans, understanding the complexity of our minds, and using it as an advantage to propel us forward in life.
He is a self-help enthusiast and he is not ashamed about it! He’s always looking for his next fix of inspiration, motivation, insight, and wisdom from those who have been there before him!
He also does a lot of courses and research on the latest and greatest in the area of self-help, life coaching, and health.
He likes to share his discoveries with anyone who is interested in listening! His personal goal is to help people achieve great results in their lives, that is why he also has a blog about self-improvement.
He loves animals and he currently lives in New Jersey with his loving wife and his recently born child.
