manipulation

Picture this: Your partner said they’d be home by 9 p.m., but it’s 11 p.m. and you haven’t heard anything. When they finally walk in, you ask where they’ve been. “What do you mean? I said I’d be out late.” You remind them what time they texted, and they correct…

People with narcissistic tendencies can be incredibly charming when you first meet them. But over time, interactions start to feel off: You’re second-guessing yourself, tiptoeing around their reactions, or wondering why you always end up being the problem. Whether it’s a partner, parent, boss, or friend, that shift from “wow,…

Picture a couple who just moved in together: Let’s call them Dan and Amy. Amy has been working late because she has a big presentation coming up. One evening, she texts Dan and asks him to make dinner while she’s on her way home. Dan enthusiastically agrees, sending multiple heart…

Abuse is a dangerous and prevalent issue for many people. However, it can be incredibly nuanced, which might make it hard to identify for those experiencing abuse. One frequent example of this is called reactive abuse. Reactive abuse is something that occurs as a result of a victim responding strongly…

Narcissists often lack empathy but crave attention and admiration from those around them. They use a mix of subtle and overt tactics to keep others under their influence. They may dominate conversations, manipulate loved ones, or even resort to deception for personal gain. While it’s natural to want to avoid…

Imagine this: You’re on a first date that feels almost too good to be true. The charming stranger across the table flashes a sly grin and orders another round of wine. Suddenly, they’re painting a vivid picture of your shared future together: dream home, adorable kids, maybe even that art…

Trust issues are characterized by fear of betrayal, abandonment, or manipulation. And this fear is often triggered as a result of betrayal (such as infidelity), abandonment (think: leaving a child or foregoing a relationship with them), or manipulation (for example, dishonesty or gaslighting). If someone you trusted — a partner,…

How we’re treated as children, the dynamics of our family, and how we interact with our parents can have a long-lasting impact. When parents expect too much from a child, by giving them adult responsibilities and making their love conditional on fulfilling expectations, their child may develop golden child syndrome….

Narcissism can be a harmful pattern that impacts both the lives of those who have it and the people around them. This impact often leads people to question: Can narcissism be treated? Can a narcissist really change? The answer is yes, those with narcissism or narcissistic traits can change. The…

Infidelity, or cheating, is one of the leading causes of relationship strain—with more than 60% of divorced couples citing infidelity as a reason for their divorce [1]. Engaging in physical or emotional intimacy with someone outside the relationship can breach trust and cause sometimes irreparable damage to a relationship’s foundation….

In unhealthy or abusive relationships, many complex feelings and dynamics can develop over time. These relationships are rarely simple, which can make them difficult to end.  In the case of trauma-bonded relationships, breaking a trauma bond can be a long and involved process. However, with the right help from a…

Trauma can have a variety of impacts on survivors, and each is often intense in its own way. One such impact traumatic experiences can have is called a “trauma bond.” Trauma bonding is a strong connection that occurs between victims/survivors and perpetrators of trauma or abuse. These bonds are complex…