One of the great tactics of master manipulators is the ability to make other people feel like they are wrong, even when they are not.
They tend to flip any situation from the focus being on them to the focus being on their accuser, creating feelings of uncertainty, guilt, and shame.
Such situations may also occur in relationships. If you are in a relationship with someone manipulative, it could be very confusing and frustrating. It could make you constantly second-guess yourself. Your partner could invalidate your feelings and create an uneven playing field.
Do you think your partner is manipulative but are still unsure? Please take this short "Am I being manipulated by my partner?" quiz to clarify things.
1. Do you often find yourself feeling guilty for wanting to do things that you enjoy, such as spending time with your family or friends?
A. Yes, often
B. Sometimes
C. No, not really
2. Do you often feel criticized or talked down to by your partner, resulting in you feeling inadequate or inferior?
A. Yes, often
B. Sometimes
C. No, not really
3. Does your partner seem too busy for you, or do they dismiss conversations where you want to talk about your feelings?
A. Yes, often
B. Sometimes
C. No, not really
4. Do you feel like you have the same conversations with your partner over and over, but nothing ever seems to change?
A. Yes, often
B. Sometimes
C. No, not really
5. Does your partner often convince you that you are wrong when you bring up a concern or issue in your relationship, even if you know in your gut that you are right?
A. Yes, often
B. Sometimes
C. No, not really
6. Does your partner often turn things around on you, blame you and make you feel guilty or ashamed?
A. Yes, often
B. Sometimes
C. No, not really
7. Does it seem like your partner is ALWAYS the victim when you are having arguments?
A. Yes, often
B. Sometimes
C. No, not really
8. Do you feel like your partner often entices or provokes you on purpose in an argument, just to get you to say something they can use against you?
A. Yes, often
B. Sometimes
C. No, not really
9. Does your partner make threats or use emotional blackmail if you try to leave or break up with them?
A. Yes, often
B. Sometimes
C. No, not really
10. Does your partner often act like they don’t understand or don’t remember something when you bring it up in an argument, avoiding any fault or blame?
A. Yes, often
B. Sometimes
C. No, not really
11. Has your partner ever asked you to do things for them and blamed you if they turned out wrong?
A. Yes, many times
B. Yes, but not all the time
C. It has happened a few times
12. Does your partner get jealous or envious of your success and happiness?
A. Yes, all the time
B. Probably
C. I am not sure
13. Does your partner push you to lie about their personality in order to protect their personal image?
A. Yes
B. Most of the time
C. I think so
14. Is your partner an attention seeker?
A. Yes
B. Sometimes it feels like that
C. I am not sure
15. Do they over-promise and under-deliver?
A. Yes, this has been a pattern
B. Sometimes
C. This has happened once or twice
