Lesson 1
Recognising Manipulative Patterns
Understand how to identify subtle forms of control and criticism.
The Isolation Tactic
Watch for subtle efforts to distance you from your support system. A partner who constantly criticises your friends or family or makes you feel guilty for spending time with them is a major red flag. They want your focus entirely on them.
The Blame Shift
In unhealthy relationships, one person is always responsible for the other’s moods. If you are constantly apologising for things that are not your fault, you are in a cycle of manipulation. A healthy person takes ownership of their own feelings.
Testing the Response
When you call out a negative behaviour, pay attention to the response. A healthy person will listen and reflect. An unhealthy person will turn it back on you, calling you 'too sensitive' or 'crazy'. This is 'gaslighting'—the attempt to make you doubt your own perception of reality. Trust your gut.