Manipulators affect your:
- Thinking
- Perception
- Self-esteem
Thinking –
From wresting for the power balance of a relationship, a manipulator draws strength from causing you to continuously question your own thinking. Part of the steps to cut the manipulation off, is to trust yourself and your discernment. Trust what you are seeing, and what you are feeling. Many times, part of the manipulator’s agenda, is to give your thoughts no sense of authority.
Perception -
Part of the process of manipulation steals the ability of the victim to see any alternatives of escaping the manipulative relationship. This is done by words, verbal and nonverbal communication. The victim’s perception is skewed by the thoughts, opinions, and threats of the manipulator. This is why the victim struggles to take steps to get out of the situation; embracing their own perception is needed to take the leap of faith.
Self-esteem -
The manipulator has created an inflated sense of power in the life of the victim, and has done the opposite to the victim. Through the relationship, the victim has grown weaker and weaker in how they feel, view themselves, and self-esteem. The more and more the relationship is manipulative, the more the manipulator’s sense of control is increased, and the victim becomes convinced that his or her needs, feelings, or desires are not of importance.
