How Manipulation Shapes Our Relationships and Mental Health
#Nes Bureau June 23,2025
In a world increasingly defined by communication—both virtual and personal—manipulation often goes unnoticed, hidden behind compliments, passive-aggression, guilt trips, and emotional appeals. While it may not leave physical scars, manipulation can deeply damage one’s self-esteem, sense of autonomy, and mental health. Experts are now raising alarms about how widespread manipulative behaviour is, not just in toxic relationships but also in workplaces, politics, and families.
What is Manipulation?
Manipulation is the psychological act of influencing someone to behave in a way that benefits the manipulator, often at the expense of the manipulated. Unlike direct persuasion or honest disagreement, manipulation is deceptive by nature. It relies on emotional pressure, misinformation, and strategic control to bend a person’s will without their full awareness.
Manipulators can be charming, persuasive, and seemingly well-intentioned. However, behind the façade lies a desire to dominate or exploit. Psychologists warn that emotional manipulation is especially dangerous because it erodes a person’s confidence, alters their perception of reality, and can result in long-term psychological trauma.
Common Tactics Used by Manipulators
From relationships to boardrooms, manipulation tactics are remarkably consistent. Here are some of the most common strategies:
Guilt-Tripping: Making someone feel obligated by referencing past favors or sacrifices.
Gaslighting: Denying reality to make the victim question their own memory or judgment.
Love-Bombing: Showering someone with affection or praise to build emotional dependence.
Passive Aggression: Expressing resentment or control in indirect, subtle ways.
Comparison and Criticism: Undermining self-worth by constantly comparing someone to others.
Exaggeration or Lies: Twisting facts to gain the upper hand or escape accountability.
“These tactics are often used subtly, which makes them hard to recognize at first,” says Dr. Neha Rathi, a clinical psychologist based in Mumbai. “People often feel something is off but can’t put their finger on it.”
Why Are People Vulnerable to Manipulation?
Certain personality traits or life experiences can make individuals more susceptible. People-pleasers, those who seek external validation, or individuals with past trauma may struggle to set boundaries or speak up against subtle emotional abuse.
In cultures that prioritize obedience, politeness, or family honor, confronting manipulative behavior can be even harder. Victims are often told they are overreacting, or worse, blamed for causing the manipulator’s actions.
The Impact: Beyond Just Hurt Feelings
Manipulation isn’t just a “bad behavior”—it can be deeply damaging. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, low self-worth, difficulty trusting others, or even develop complex PTSD in long-term situations.
“When someone constantly questions your choices, mocks your feelings, or guilt-trips you into submission, over time you start to believe you deserve it,” explains Dr. Rathi.
Workplace manipulation can result in professional setbacks, burnout, and toxic environments, while manipulation within families can create cycles of trauma that pass through generations.
Recognizing the Red Flags
According to mental health professionals, some signs you may be getting manipulated include:
Frequently second-guessing yourself
Feeling confused after conversations
Being afraid to express your opinions
Feeling like you’re always “walking on eggshells”
A pattern of giving more than receiving in the relationship
How to Respond and Reclaim Control
Dealing with manipulation requires clarity, confidence, and often support from outside the toxic dynamic. Experts recommend the following steps:
Set Clear Boundaries: Define how you want to be treated and communicate it assertively.
Limit Emotional Exposure: Don’t overshare with someone who may use your vulnerabilities against you.
Pause Before Reacting: Take time to assess requests or demands, and don’t respond impulsively.
Seek Support: Talk to friends, a therapist, or a counselor to validate your experiences.
Consider Distancing: In some cases, cutting contact may be the healthiest option.
Manipulators Can Change—But Rarely Do Without Help
It’s important to understand that manipulators themselves may be acting out of learned behaviour or personality disorders such as narcissism. However, real change is only possible if the manipulator acknowledges their actions and seeks help.
Psychotherapy can offer tools to both victims and manipulators to break out of these cycles. But change, as with most deep-rooted behaviours, requires time, effort, and accountability.
Manipulation is a form of silent emotional control that can leave lasting scars. Whether it’s subtle guilt-tripping or calculated gaslighting, the damage is real and often invisible. As awareness grows, so does the power of individuals to recognize manipulation, speak out, and protect their mental well-being.
In a world where control can often masquerade as love, concern, or charisma, the need for emotional clarity has never been greater.
If you or someone you know is being manipulated or emotionally abused, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional or a trusted support network.
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