Advertisement

The Six Stages Of Leaving An Emotionally Manipulative Relationship

Advertisement
Advertisement

The worst part about emotionally manipulative relationships is that those in them sometimes can’t even see how bad it’s gotten. The more it happens, the more it’s normalized and even justify. The manipulation can completely destroy them from the inside out, making them unable to see beyond it and completely codependent on their manipulator.

But there is hope. Everyone eventually reaches a point where they feel like they can’t take it anymore. According to the stages of change, this is how people move through a process of defined stages. It has to start from a place of readiness to be able to handle the significant life changes it will bring. Each step brings them closer to freedom once again. Here are the five main stages.

Find out how you can achieve your goals and reach your utmost potential, and get more information, by clickingHERE.

The Preawareness Stage

Beniamin Sinca / Unsplash

Beniamin Sinca / Unsplash

It’s not surprising that those deep in manipulative relationships are blind to the red flags because they’ve been manipulated to do so. Their partners will use blame-shifting, criticism, aggression, anger, or even pity to trap them into feeling vulnerable, codependent and justify their behavior.

It’s usually friends or family who will first notice the signs and start bringing them up. Often, the victim will deny them for a while or at least minimize them but eventually comes to see them too. Even then, it can take a long time to make the shift from awareness to a willingness to actually want to do something about it.

The Contemplation Stage

Kevin Laminto / Unsplash

Kevin Laminto / Unsplash

This stage is crucial as it is during this stage that those who have suffered manipulation start to rewire their thoughts from the ones brainwashed into them to their own beliefs. They gradually start to take in the severity of the issue without minimizing, justifying, or denying it.

They may even start confronting their partner about it. During this stage, they are often still hopeful things will get better or be fixed, while also accepting the possibility that they may have to walk away. This stage can be quite conflicting as they struggle to make a decision on what to do next.

The Preparation Stage

Danny G / Unsplash

Danny G / Unsplash

​This stage is where the victim realizes that the relationship is beyond repair and that their manipulator isn’t willing to make a change. The frustration fuels them to finally be committed to taking action.

This point is key in making sure there is a stable transition to a breakup. Preparing for it requires having an exit strategy, an escape plan if necessary, a safety plan if needed, and a consideration of the risks of each action. At that stage, those going through it need a lot of support, resources, and validation.

Take a quick zodiac readinghere to find out what your universe has to say about you right now. Understand your purpose and your potential so that you can take control of your emotions, your life, and your future by clicking HERE.

The Action Stage

Joshua Rawson / Unsplash

Joshua Rawson / Unsplash

​This stage puts the preparation plan into action. It’s a stage full of fear and uncertainties as the survivor, who is no longer a victim, adapts to the change that their new life brings.

This stage is not linear but it is sudden. It can feel like everything is changing all at once. New routines are built. Some require a new home, new friends, a new network, or even a new job depending on how intertwined their lives were with their manipulator.

The Resistance Stage

Thom Holmes / Unsplash

Thom Holmes / Unsplash

At this stage, it can be quite tempting to want to take it all back and go back to what’s comfortable. The manipular may be starting to realize what they’re losing and go to extreme lengths to try and win their partner back.

It’s important not to cave to loneliness and their emotional tactics in this danger zone. Resiting impulses and advantages is key in getting through this almost final stage.

The Moving On Stage

Marina Vitale / Unsplash

Marina Vitale / Unsplash

​This is the stage where the relationship is officially terminated. Once you pass through the temptation, you transition into grief. It’s okay to mourn even the worst of relationships.

Eventually, even grief passes and is replaced with freedom and excitement for a new beginning. Confidence is rebuilt and a new life is built despite all of its ucertainties.

You Deserve Love

Nadine Shaabana / Unsplash

Nadine Shaabana / Unsplash

We don’t blame you for being frustrated with dating and wanting to stick with what’s comfortable but if you’re struggling to find and keep a quality relationship click here to find out how to break the cycle.

For more great relationship advice and tips on how to attain the kind of love you deserve, watch this video from expert, Amy North: Click Here To Watch The Full Video.

The worst part about emotionally manipulative relationships is that those in them sometimes can’t even see how bad it’s gotten. The more it happens, the more it’s normalized and even justify. The manipulation can completely destroy them from the inside out, making them unable to see beyond it and completely codependent on their manipulator.

But there is hope. Everyone eventually reaches a point where they feel like they can’t take it anymore. According to the stages of change, this is how people move through a process of defined stages. It has to start from a place of readiness to be able to handle the significant life changes it will bring. Each step brings them closer to freedom once again. Here are the five main stages.

Find out how you can achieve your goals and reach your utmost potential, and get more information, by clickingHERE.

Advertisement
Higher Perspectives Author

Recent Posts

Ten Common Consequences Of Being Too Nice

In a world that often celebrates assertiveness and the aggressive pursuit of personal goals, being…

2 mins ago

Signs Of A Codependent, Unhealthy Relationship

This article contains affiliate links.There's no way to get through life without being dependent on…

5 hours ago

Causes Of Parent-Child Estrangement, Why They Want Nothing To Do With You

This article contains affiliate links.Every family is going to have its disagreements. None are without…

8 hours ago

The Facial Feature That Can Help You Identify Narcissists

This article may contain affiliate links.When leaving our homes, and especially when meeting new people,…

11 hours ago

The 7 Stages Of A Failing Relationship That’s Destined To Break Up

Relationships ending is never an easy thing. It's often painful to the point of grief,…

13 hours ago

Narcissist Behaviors That Can Actually Be Used For Good

This article may contain affiliate links.When we think about narcissistic behavior, we automatically think about…

24 hours ago
Advertisement