An Emotional manipulator is a person who uses influence to change the impression or behavior of others any means necessary. Furthermore emotional manipulator is “ a patronizing, mind-fucker can bend and twist and warp but somehow after a period of time they set off the ol’ bullshit meter”(“Eight Easy Ways”). I lived with my ex-husband David for ten years. He was an emotional manipulator during our marriage and still is to this day. David is a smooth talker and subtle in the way he uses manipulation. I will talk about how he operated and how to spot and recognize the bullshit he dealt out. David turned my words against me to benefit himself. He never took responsibility for his behavior, and when I called him out on it, he would always find a way to turn it around and use it against me to make me feel bad for the situation. I would make an honest complaint for example “It really bothered me that you didn’t watch the kids last night like you promised.” David said something like, “You should have never asked me to watch the kids knowing what long hours I work. You are the one who wanted kids” instead of ever realizing his mistake and apologizing for it. I felt guilty for even expecting or asking him in the first place. He usually replied with guilt trips or is defensive, I accept this behavior, …show more content…
He says, “ You think you day was bad? What do you think my day was like? Be happy that you are a stay at home mom and don’t have a real job like me.” He made me look selfish and pitiful. He could never acknowledge his narcissistic behavior or make the conversation be about my pain or difficulty. There was never anything I could do in these situations except walk away and call my mother who was more caring, compassionate, and mature. I tried so hard not to expose my vulnerabilities to him so he couldn’t trample all over them, but that never