

{"id":67497,"date":"2021-07-07T07:43:37","date_gmt":"2021-07-07T07:43:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=67497"},"modified":"2024-07-24T10:36:14","modified_gmt":"2024-07-24T10:36:14","slug":"being-exploited-in-a-romantic-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/being-exploited-in-a-romantic-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Signs You&#8217;re in an Exploitative Relationship"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-67499\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/signs-you-are-being-exploited-in-a-romantic-relationship.jpg\" alt=\"The Wife Exploits Her Husband. She Watches Tv and Orders to Wash the Window\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you in an exploitative relationship?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most people would say no, but sometimes it can be hard to tell your partner&rsquo;s true intentions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being exploited in a relationship starts with little things and before we can recognize what&rsquo;s happening, one becomes a victim.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dealing with a romantic partner that exploits you isn&rsquo;t easy, especially if you are in love with the person. Do you know if your partner is exploiting you or not? Read more to find out.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-does-it-mean-to-exploit-someone\"><\/span><b>What does it mean to exploit someone?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Exploitation means using someone unfairly, usually to your advantage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This could mean using someone for money, sexual favors, rides, or even a place to live.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn how to tell if someone is taking advantage of you by monitoring how you feel when you&rsquo;re together, gauging your partner&rsquo;s honesty, and watching how they treat you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you feel you&rsquo;re being exploited in a romantic relationship? Read on for the top 10 signs your spouse is using you.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/signs-he-is-using-you\/\" title=\"Signs He's Using You\">Signs He's Using You<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Examples-of-being-exploited-in-a-relationship\"><\/span><b>Examples of being exploited in a relationship<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for exploitative relationship examples? Read below.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of being exploited in a relationship include <\/span><b>having one&rsquo;s needs consistently disregarded, being manipulated or coerced into actions against one&rsquo;s will, experiencing financial or emotional abuse<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and feeling constantly taken advantage of without receiving equal respect, care, or reciprocity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10-signs-you%E2%80%99re-being-exploited-in-a-romantic-relationship\"><\/span><b>10 signs you&rsquo;re being exploited in a romantic relationship<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being exploited in relationships is terrible. But what if you don&rsquo;t even know your spouse is<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/recognize-and-handle-manipulation-in-relationships\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">manipulating you<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people are so experienced at pulling the wool over their partner&rsquo;s eyes that it can be hard to see through their love goggles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you feel like there&rsquo;s a chance you are being exploited in a romantic relationship?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Keep reading to find out how to tell if someone is taking advantage of you.<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Your relationship moved at lightning speed<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The happiest couples are the ones who focus on commitment, communication, intimacy, sex, and conflict resolution, as reported in the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6702121\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journal of Epidemiology and Health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In healthy relationships, it takes time to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/nurturing-happy-relationships\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">build these pillars<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In exploitative relationships, a partner will try to rush things along, moving at lightning speed to say &ldquo;I love you&rdquo; or<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/quizzes\/should-we-move-in-together-quiz\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">move in together<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That&rsquo;s because the quicker they have your trust, the easier it will be to get what they want from you.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/signs-your-relationship-is-moving-too-fast\/\" title=\"Signs Your Relationship Is Moving Too Fast\">Signs Your Relationship Is Moving Too Fast<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>2. Your partner is dishonest<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is an exploitative relationship? The one where honesty is completely and intentionally missing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most significant signs you are being used by your romantic partner is if they always<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/deal-with-a-lying-spouse\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seem to be lying<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about something.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you feel like your partner is dishonest about something, trust your gut instinct. Lying about their past, whereabouts, and intentions are clear warning signs that you are being exploited in a romantic relationship. How they treat you is one of the signs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. You don&rsquo;t feel good when you&rsquo;re together<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/what-is-the-definition-of-a-healthy-relationship\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthy relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will leave you feeling like you&rsquo;re on top of the world. You will feel funny, charming, sexy, and confident.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, an exploitative relationship will have you questioning your self-worth. You won&rsquo;t feel strong and adored when you&rsquo;re together &ndash; at least, not for very long.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. There is a power imbalance<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exploitative relationship definition can be understood in terms of the feeling (or lack of) of emotional security and teamwork when partners are together.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>As per <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/christiana-njoku\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Christiana Njoku<\/span><\/a>,<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this kind of relationship, the exploitative partner is always in charge and they dictates what goes on in the relationship.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When considering &lsquo;what does it mean to exploit someone?&rsquo; consider the power imbalance as a prime example.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-67500\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/your-self-esteem-has-taken-a-dip.jpg\" alt=\"Stressed Young Married Family Couple Arguing Emotionally, Blaming Lecturing Each Other, Sitting on Couch\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><b>You have a power imbalance in your relationship if:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One partner is in a position of authority over the other, perhaps at work<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One spouse is highly controlling and uses threats or<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/recognize-and-handle-manipulation-in-relationships\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">manipulation to get their way<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One partner makes all the decisions and does not consult their spouse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One spouse makes significantly more money than the other\/controls how the money is spent<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only is a power imbalance in your relationship one of the most prominent signs you are being used, but it can also affect you psychologically.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A 2016<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5069702\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology revealed that those possessing low relationship power experienced greater feelings of aggression, particularly when trying to communicate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being exploited in a romantic relationship means that you are made to feel helpless to some degree, and what makes you feel more vulnerable than a power imbalance?<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/signs-of-uneven-power-in-relationships\/\" title=\"Signs of Uneven Power in Relationships and How to Overcome It\">Signs of Uneven Power in Relationships and How to Overcome It<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>5. Your self-esteem has taken a dip<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One tip for telling if someone is taking advantage of you is to consider how you feel when you&rsquo;re together.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does your partner build you up or tear you down?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are in an exploitative relationship, your<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/mental-health\/low-self-esteem-in-relationship\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">self-esteem is probably at an all-time low<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And like the master manipulator they are, your spouse probably knows exactly how to build you up before pulling the rug out from under you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. They use guilt as a weapon<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guilt is a powerful weapon when it comes to being exploited in relationships. It is also one of the big signs that you are being used.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/christiana-njoku\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Christiana Njoku<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> emphasized in one of her courses <\/span><b>Danger Signs of Obsessive Love, <\/b><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The moment you discover your partner guilt tripping you in the relationship, just know that you are with an exploitative partner.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your spouse may use guilt to control or manipulate you. It may even seem sweet at first; &ldquo;Aw, babe, do you have to go? Stay here and cuddle with me instead!&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Or, the manipulation may be more pointed; &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t believe you&rsquo;re going out when I canceled my plans last week for you. I&rsquo;m always sacrificing for you, and I never get anything in return.&rdquo; How is that fair?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To understand emotional manipulation tactics, watch this video:<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br><\/span><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nY3049y73JE\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">&#65279;<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><b>7. You&rsquo;re being kept from loved ones<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to know how to tell if someone is taking advantage of you? Just look at the way they treat your closest loved ones. Isolation is a form of exploitative behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do they value your alone time with friends and family, or do they make subtle (or not-so-subtle) hints that you should stay home and hang out with them instead?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may seem sweet at first &ndash; after all, your partner wanting your<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/attention-seeking-partner\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">attention all the time<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is kind of flattering! However, such isolation tactics are typical signs you are being used.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your partner has slowly been severing the emotional or physical ties between you and your friends or family, pay attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3876290\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> published in the Violence Vict found that younger women often experience higher isolation rates from a partner. This is because isolation tends to make you reliant on your partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Licensed Counselor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/christiana-njoku\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Christiana Njoku<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> states that,&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your partner <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">keeps<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> isolating you from reaching out to your family, friends, and loved ones in the relationship, then be rest assured it is one way for them to keep using you.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Isolation makes it seem like your spouse is the only person that cares about you and may even make you feel like you have no one who would support you if you tried to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/quizzes\/how-hard-do-you-think-of-leaving-your-relationship\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">leave your relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. They zero in on your insecurities<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does it mean to exploit someone? It means narrowing down someone&rsquo;s biggest insecurities and using them to your advantage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A loving partner helps you<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/security-in-a-relationship\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">work through your insecurities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and boosts your self-confidence. In contrast, a spouse in an exploitative relationship will use any weakness against you to get what they want.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>9. You&rsquo;re always the one paying for things<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most obvious signs you are being used by your partner is if they always seem to be out of money.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you pay for everything?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does your partner blatantly ask you for money, which they never pay back?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do they automatically assume you&rsquo;ll be the one shelling out cash for dinner, rent, or vacations?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your partner cares more about your money than your mind, take it as a warning sign that you are being exploited in a romantic relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>10. They gaslight you<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to know how to tell if someone is taking advantage of you?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look back on your history with your partner and pinpoint when you<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/things-to-do-if-you-are-confused-in-a-relationship\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">felt confused<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, manipulated, or made to feel like you were the wrong person even though you knew deep down that you hadn&rsquo;t done anything wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gaslighting is a form of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8115954\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">psychological abuse<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in an exploitative relationship. By gaslighting, the abuser tries to make their victim believe they are crazy through a series of manipulative tactics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They play so many mind games that the victim eventually questions their sanity or otherwise just assumes that it must be their fault when something is going wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gaslighting is unhealthy, creates a power imbalance, and is also emotionally damaging.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/mental-health\/how-to-deal-with-gaslighting\/\" title=\"How to Deal with Gaslighting\">How to Deal with Gaslighting<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-67501\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-escape-an-exploitative-relationship.jpg\" alt=\"Warm Toned Portrait of Modern Young Couple Talking to Each Other Sincerely While Sitting on Floor in Cozy Home Interior, Copy Space\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-to-deal-with-being-exploited-in-a-romantic-relationship\"><\/span><b>How to deal with being exploited in a romantic relationship<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communication is key.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does it mean to exploit someone? Consider the answer before you go to your partner with your concerns. You may even want to make a list of your spouse&rsquo;s most concerning behavior before speaking with them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your partner is not receptive to change, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/when-to-leave-a-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">you should respectfully leave the relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know the signs you are being used by your spouse, it&rsquo;s time to figure out how to avoid them in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Here are 5 tips to deal with relationship exploitation:<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Recognize the signs<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Educate yourself about the signs of exploitation in relationships, such as manipulative behavior, controlling actions, constant disregard for your needs, or financial abuse. Understanding these signs is the first step toward acknowledging the problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Establish boundaries<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clearly define and assert your boundaries. Communicate your needs and expectations openly with your partner. Set limits on what you are willing to accept and make it clear that exploitation is not acceptable in the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/setting-boundaries-in-a-new-relationship\/\" title=\"15 Ways of Setting Boundaries in a New Relationship\">15 Ways of Setting Boundaries in a New Relationship<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>3. Seek support<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or a therapist who can provide guidance and support. Talking about your experiences with someone who can provide an outside perspective can help you gain clarity and develop a plan of action.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Prioritize self-care<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy and boost your self-esteem. Practice self-compassion and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/the-pillars-of-self-care\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">self-care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to rebuild your sense of worth and regain control over your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Consider exiting the relationship<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the exploitation continues despite your efforts to address it, it may be necessary to consider leaving the exploitative relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exiting a toxic situation can be challenging, but your safety and well-being should be the top priority. Seek professional help, such as through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/counseling\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">relationship counseling<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or a support organization, to assist you in creating an exit strategy and providing resources for a safe transition.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-does-an-exploitative-relationship-impact-you\"><\/span><b>How does an exploitative relationship impact you?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An exploitative relationship can have a significant impact on your well-being. It can erode your self-esteem, cause emotional and psychological harm, lead to feelings of powerlessness, and hinder your ability to trust others in future relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step-out-of-the-exploitative-environment\"><\/span><b>Step out of the exploitative environment<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you feel you are being exploited in a romantic relationship, you should end things as soon as possible. Your peace of mind should come first.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you fear your<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/communication\/how-to-deal-with-passive-aggressive-spouse\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">partner will turn aggressive<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you try to leave, contact a trusted friend, family member, or police and explain what is going on.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having backup with you when you are getting your things or making your initial breakup can be excellent protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember that with a patient mind and determination, you can break yourself free from this chain of toxicity.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you in an exploitative relationship? Most people would say no, but sometimes it can be hard to tell your partner&rsquo;s true intentions. Being exploited in a relationship starts with little things and before we can recognize what&rsquo;s happening, one becomes a victim. Dealing with a romantic partner that exploits you isn&rsquo;t easy, especially if you are in love with the person. Do you know if your partner is exploiting you or not? Read more to find out.&nbsp; What does it mean to exploit someone? Exploitation means using someone unfairly, usually to your advantage. This could mean using someone for <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1419,"featured_media":67499,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2502],"tags":[2608],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67497"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1419"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67497"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67497\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":103208,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67497\/revisions\/103208"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67499"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67497"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67497"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67497"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}