Love and Relationships

I remember the first time I felt that sensation that my body is rejecting someone (also known as “The Ick”.) It was over something really dumb. I went on a date with a guy I worked with that ended up being a total disaster. His mistake? He showed up wearing corduroy pants. Yes, that’s the reason my body rejected him, and I felt it physically clenching up inside as soon as I opened the door and saw him dressed like that. I admit, it was super petty of me, but it was the late 80s, and I was in my …

The 7 Most Common Covert Emotional Manipulation Tactics in Relationships Relationships are meant to be spaces of love, respect, and mutual support. However, there are instances where control dynamics creep in, turning what should be a partnership, into a source of manipulation and coercion. Covert manipulation serves as the basis for various types of domestic abuse. It revolves around power dynamics within relationships. Physical, financial, and manipulative abuse all stem from covert emotional manipulation tactics. What are the Main Phases of Covert Manipulation? Coercive control, also known as covert manipulation, is a term gaining recognition in recent years, refers to …

Surviving Narcissistic Psychological Blackmail As someone who has navigated the treacherous waters of narcissistic emotional manipulation, I understand the toll it can take on one’s mental and emotional well-being. It’s a complex, and often subtle form of psychological manipulation that can leave you feeling trapped and powerless. Through my own experience, I’ve learned to identify the typical narcissistic psychological blackmail warning signs, develop coping strategies, and finally go on a journey of healing. Here are nine examples of red flags to watch for, along with some insights into coping with narcissistic abuse tactics and reclaiming your life. 9 Examples of …

Narcissism, a term derived from the Greek myth of Narcissus, speaks volumes about an individual’s self-absorption, grandiosity, and inability to empathize with others. When it comes to truth, narcissists seem to have an uncanny ability to twist, manipulate, or outright disregard it. When their very definition of “success” is control and power, they can’t let a pesky thing like truth and honesty get in the way. They’ve got bigger fish to fry! Today, we dive deep into the psyche of the narcissistic mind, discussing why truth holds no value for them, what really goes on in their consciousness, the big …