Even when everyone seems friendly, subtle forms of manipulation can be at play. Often, people don’t even realize they’re ...

Tension: Reassuring words can mask power plays; what sounds caring may quietly corral your choices and rewrite your narrative. Noise: Feel-good communication advice equates positivity with kindness, ...

Controlling behavior occurs when a person attempts to force another person to conform to their own needs or desires through some form of manipulation. The outsized desire for control is unhealthy and ...

A 2021 study concluded that when you confront a manipulative person, they will either take a good, hard look at themselves, ...

Recognizing controlling behavior in relationships can be challenging, especially when it develops gradually over time. Many controlling behaviors might initially appear as expressions of love or ...

Gaslighting can be a sneaky little trick that slips into relationships without you even noticing. It's when someone makes you question your own reality, often leaving you feeling confused and unsure ...

Relationships should be built on trust, respect, and equality. Unfortunately, some partners exhibit controlling behaviors that can damage your well-being and independence. Recognizing these warning ...

Tension: Charm in public can cloak coercion in private, leaving victims doubting their own perceptions against the crowd’s applause. Noise: Social proof equates likability with goodness, muting red ...

Emotional manipulators tend to benefit from having a sense of emotional intelligence without the added social and internal burdens of compassion or empathy. According to a study from the SAGE Open ...

When we think of an unhealthy relationship, we often picture loud fights, sheer manipulation, or clear-cut abuse. But sometimes, controlling behavior is more subtle—it sneaks in quietly, disguised as ...

A cutting remark. The silent treatment. A despondent, conflict-avoidant friend or co-worker who refuses to talk about the cause of their unhappiness: Chances are, we’ve all been on the receiving and ...