emotional manipulation

Emotional manipulation involves influencing or controlling someone’s feelings and responses to gain an advantage or benefit. It often involves tactics like guilt-tripping, playing with insecurities, or withholding affection to steer behavior or decisions. The manipulator typically seeks to evoke emotional reactions that serve their interests, often making the other person feel confused, responsible, or powerless. Recognizing emotional manipulation is important for maintaining healthy boundaries and relationships, as it undermines trust and autonomy. It’s different from honest communication because it relies on exploiting emotions rather than open, respectful dialogue.