When someone is emotionally manipulated by a partner, family member, or friend, it may not immediately trigger a lightbulb "aha!" response — it may take some time before you begin to recognize the relationship as unhealthy or toxic. Emotional manipulation is sneaky (think: someone making you feel bad about a decision you made, so they can instead get you to do what they want) because it can show up in all kinds of behaviors that aren't overtly negative. The nuances of emotional manipulation make it difficult to pinpoint when someone is being manipulated or its impacts.
And finally, both Porche and Mascardo emphasize the importance of trusting yourself. Chances are if something feels off in a relationship, it probably is, and it's necessary to listen to that gut feeling so that you can evaluate the situation and make changes accordingly. "So much of what I work on with clients in the therapy room is learning to listen to their inner voice," says Mascardo. "It's often an unlearning process because we're often taught that to survive, we must suppress our instincts, ignore our feelings, and distrust ourselves. Trust your gut."
