Let's Talk about Emotional Manipulation
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of Ahlahayam; having a form of godlinessbut denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with diverse lusts, ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. "-2Timonthy 3:1-7
Manipulation definintion: to treat or operate with in a skillful manner . The action of manipulating someone in a clever or unscrupulous way. To control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidioous means especially to one's own advantage.
Manipulation is REAL. I don't have to tell you that Sis. You already know just from dealing with the stress of a marriage or relationship. From dealing with toxic family members, to sometimes dealing with your own children. And it creeps in too, kinda like a bad smell will sneak up on you. Emotional manipulation is the worst, especially if that person who's doing it, KNOWS exactly how to use you and get something from you to THEIR advantage.
Now how often do YOU do this Sis? Be real, be honest. It's almost a daily thing. Women will do this to men when they want something. They will do this when they're trying to get out of something. And it's not just emotionally. It's physically too. Men do it, kids do it. Manipulation is so common, most people don't even realize that they're doing it.
Now when you realize that its' happening...what do you do? Do you give in? Or do you do the exact opposite? Things that make you really stop and think, especially if you're trying to do better in this Walk. When trying to do better, you have to give up certain things. That includes changing up on how you deal with people. I myself have come to a harsh realization that I have to stop aruguing with my husband a certain way whenever we get into it. When in an argument, you want to be RIGHT. You want to be VALIDATED. But you can't get either of those things by manipulating the other person. That's just not right. I had a disagreement with my husband yesterday. I had to approach it differently. When dealing with your spouse about disagreements, it's not always about YOU. They have to be validated too in their feelings and thought process. Being manipulative of their emotions isn't the way to "win" a disagreement. It's also not going to help you in the long run either.
The long and the short of it, don't be a manipulater. Don't give into the manipulation when you recognize that it's happening either. When in either of these scenarios, if possible...remove yourself from the situation. Go and pray to the Most High about how to handle it going forward or in the moment. It's a process and will take time to adjust, but you will be much better off in the long run if you try.
"You weren't expecting that". Have a great day Sis!