I dealt with it by isolating myself at first, which wasn’t the healthiest thing to do, but it felt like the only way to protect myself. I couldn’t tell what was real and what was manipulation anymore. Eventually, I started opening up to people I trusted, and that helped me get perspective. Talking about my experience with others made me realize I wasn’t crazy. I also started setting small, non-negotiable boundaries, like not allowing myself to be guilted into things. It was a slow process, but little by little, I regained my confidence and clarity.

Dealing with emotional manipulation took a toll on me, both mentally and emotionally. To cope, I started journaling regularly, writing down everything I was feeling. It helped me make sense of the confusion and the constant self-doubt that manipulation creates. I also sought therapy, which was life-changing. Having someone objectively point out the patterns of manipulation made me realize I wasn’t overreacting or imagining things. It took time, but with those tools, I began to reclaim my sense of reality and trust my own emotions again.

When I was in the middle of it, I didn’t even realize I was being manipulated. I felt like I was constantly in the wrong, always apologizing for things that weren’t my fault. The turning point for me came when I started reading more about emotional manipulation and recognized the behaviors in my relationship. That knowledge gave me the clarity I needed to start setting boundaries. I distanced myself emotionally, even though I was still physically there for a while. It was incredibly hard, but learning to protect my energy and mental space was crucial for my healing.

For me, it was all about learning how to ground myself. The emotional turmoil was so overwhelming that I often felt like I couldn’t trust my own thoughts. I found mindfulness and meditation really helpful during those moments. Whenever I felt like I was losing control, I’d take a few minutes to focus on my breathing or meditate. It helped bring me back to the present and reminded me of what was real. That practice, along with talking things out with friends, really helped me navigate the confusion.