Do you ever feel like you’re losing yourself in your relationship, constantly bending to meet someone else’s needs while your own go unnoticed?

It’s not just in your head—men who are vulnerable to emotional manipulation often don’t realize the subtle ways it’s shaping their behavior

I’m Tina Fey, relationship expert and founder of the Love Connection blog, and I’ve seen first-hand how emotional manipulation can creep into a relationship, often unnoticed.

Just as there are signs that someone is being manipulative, there are also behaviors that can indicate when someone is more susceptible to such manipulation.

And yes, today we’re focusing on men.

Why? Well, despite the stereotype that only women fall prey to emotional manipulation, I’ve found that men too can find themselves caught up in such scenarios.

Here are 8 behaviors often exhibited by men who are susceptible to emotional manipulation in a relationship. 

1) Overly accommodating

One of the key signs that a man may be susceptible to emotional manipulation in a relationship is an excessive willingness to be accommodating.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Being considerate and willing to compromise is an essential part of any healthy relationship. But there’s a line between being supportive and becoming overly accommodating.

If a man is constantly bending over backwards to keep his partner happy, disregarding his own needs and wants in the process, he might be in the danger zone.

This behavior often stems from a fear of conflict or an overly strong desire to please.

In my experience as a relationship expert, I’ve noticed that men who are overly accommodating often end up feeling frustrated, resentful, or neglected over time.

These feelings can make them prime targets for emotional manipulation.

So, gentlemen, remember – it’s crucial to balance your partner’s needs with your own. 

2) Struggles with self-esteem

The second behavior we’re going to discuss is a struggle with self-esteem.

As someone who has been helping people navigate their love lives for years, I’ve noticed that men with low self-esteem often find themselves more susceptible to emotional manipulation.

They may feel that they don’t deserve better or fear that they won’t find another partner if they stand up for themselves.

There’s a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that I often share with my clients: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

It’s a powerful reminder that our self-worth should never be tied to the opinion of others, especially a partner who seeks to manipulate and control.

3) Exhibits signs of codependency

In my years of helping others navigate their relationships, one thing I’ve noticed is that men who are more susceptible to emotional manipulation often show signs of codependency.

Codependency can be a complex and multifaceted issue. It often involves an excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner.

Codependent individuals often feel a need to take care of others to the point of neglecting their own needs, which can make them particularly susceptible to manipulation in a relationship.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I delve deeper into understanding and overcoming codependency. Believe me, it’s a journey worth embarking on.

A healthy relationship is about interdependence, not codependence. It’s about being able to rely on each other without losing yourself in the process.

4) Highly independent

Now, this might seem counterintuitive after discussing codependency, but hear me out.

Being highly independent can also make a man susceptible to emotional manipulation.

You’d think that someone who values their independence would be less likely to be manipulated, right? However, that’s not always the case.

Sometimes, men who pride themselves on their independence may overlook or brush off manipulative behaviors.

They may believe they’re too strong-willed or self-sufficient to be manipulated, causing them to ignore warning signs or dismiss their own feelings.

In my years as a relationship expert, I’ve seen highly independent men fall into this trap time and again.

They often refuse to acknowledge that they’re being manipulated until it’s too late.

5) Difficulty setting boundaries

Setting boundaries in a relationship is so important. It’s something I emphasize to all my clients and readers.

If a man has difficulty setting boundaries, he may be more susceptible to emotional manipulation. Boundaries help us communicate our needs, expectations, and limits. Without them, it’s easy for someone to overstep and take advantage.

I’ve noticed that men who struggle with setting boundaries often feel guilty or worry about upsetting their partner.

Setting boundaries is not only okay; it is necessary.

In my own life, learning to set boundaries was a game-changer. It not only improved my relationships but also made me feel more confident and respected.

6) Fear of loneliness

Many of us, men and women alike, have at some point grappled with the fear of being alone.

It’s a raw, honest fear that can make us vulnerable to staying in relationships that aren’t healthy or fulfilling.

Men who harbor a deep fear of loneliness can be more susceptible to emotional manipulation. This is because they may tolerate manipulative behavior rather than face the prospect of being alone.

I’ve heard this fear echoed by many clients over the years. The thought of being single can seem scarier than staying in a relationship that isn’t good for them.

The truth is that it’s better to be alone than in a relationship where you’re manipulated or disrespected.

Loneliness can be tough, but it also opens up space for self-growth and the possibility of healthier relationships in the future.

7) Difficulty saying ‘No’

The ability to say ‘No’ is incredibly powerful, yet so many of us struggle with it.

Men who find it difficult to say ‘No’ can be more susceptible to emotional manipulation.

They may feel obligated to always say ‘Yes’ to keep the peace or avoid confrontation, even when they’re uncomfortable.

In my own experience, learning to say ‘No’ was a real turning point. It meant standing up for myself and asserting my needs, which isn’t always easy. But it’s crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship.

8) History of unbalanced relationships

Finally, let’s talk about something many of us may have experienced but don’t often discuss: a history of unbalanced relationships.

Men who have had a string of relationships where they were always the giver, the peacemaker, or the one making sacrifices, can be more susceptible to emotional manipulation.

This pattern can create a sense of normalcy around unbalanced dynamics, making it difficult to recognize manipulation when it occurs.

I’ve seen this pattern time and time again with clients. It’s a raw and honest truth that can be uncomfortable to face. But acknowledging it is the first step towards breaking the cycle.

Conclusion

Recognizing these behaviors is the first step towards understanding and addressing susceptibility to emotional manipulation. 

As a relationship expert, I’ve seen how these behaviors can affect men and their relationships. But I’ve also seen how acknowledging and addressing them can lead to healthier, more balanced relationships.

In my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I provide practical advice and strategies to help you navigate this journey.

You deserve respect and kindness in your relationship. Don’t settle for anything less.