9 things manipulative men do when you finally stand your ground

Standing up to manipulative men can be a daunting task.

These cunning individuals often mask their true intentions, making it difficult to recognize their tactics.

When you finally muster the courage to stand your ground, you start to see them for who they truly are.

In this moment, they might resort to certain behaviors in an attempt to maintain control.

In this article, I’m going to show you the 9 things manipulative men do when you finally assert yourself.

Let’s expose these manipulation games together.

1) Shifting blame

When you start to assert yourself, a manipulative man may resort to an age-old tactic: blame shifting.

Blame shifting is a common method used by manipulators to divert attention away from their wrongdoing.

You see, instead of accepting responsibility, they might try to pin the blame on you.

Consider this scenario.

You’ve confronted him about an issue that’s bothering you.

Now, instead of addressing the problem, he turns it around and accuses you of being overly sensitive, or of misunderstanding the situation.

This tactic is designed to make you second-guess your feelings and perceptions.

It’s a way for him to wrestle back control of the situation and make you feel as though you’re the one in the wrong.

Being aware of this tactic will help you stand your ground and not fall for his attempts at manipulation.

It’s okay to call out such behavior and insist on fair treatment.

2) Gaslighting

Another common tactic manipulative men use is gaslighting.

Trust me, I’ve been there.

I remember, I once stood up to a man who was consistently belittling my achievements.

Instead of acknowledging his actions, he tried to convince me that I was misremembering things and exaggerating his comments.

This is a classic example of gaslighting – a psychological manipulation technique where the manipulator tries to make the victim question their own memory, perception, or sanity.

Moreover, it’s a subtle yet destructive form of manipulation that can leave you questioning your own reality.

Through my experience, I’ve learned that it’s crucial to trust your instincts and memories, especially when someone tries to convince you otherwise.

In essence, standing your ground means not letting someone else distort your reality.

3) Emotional blackmail

Emotional blackmail is a powerful manipulation technique that involves the use of fear, obligation, or guilt to control someone.

It’s often used by manipulative men when you start to assert yourself.

Imagine this scenario: You’ve decided to spend the weekend with your friends after a long time. The manipulative man in your life responds with something like, “Sure, go ahead. I’ll just be here all alone.”

This is a classic example of emotional blackmail, eliciting feelings of guilt to manipulate your decisions.

It’s a tactic designed to make you feel bad about your choices and steer you towards the path that he wants.

In a study researchers found that emotional manipulation can be so subtle that people often fail to recognize it, making it even more effective.

The takeaway?

Being aware of this tactic can help you stand firm when faced with emotional blackmail.

4) Playing the victim

Manipulative men are often experts at playing the victim.

When you stand your ground, they may twist the situation to seem as if they’re the ones being wronged.

For instance, if you confront them about their controlling behavior, they might respond with something like, “I was only trying to help. I guess I can’t do anything right.”

Hear me out: By doing this, they’re trying to make you feel guilty for standing up for yourself and diverting the attention away from their own manipulative actions.

It’s important to stay firm in these situations – asserting your rights and setting boundaries.

Don’t let their victim-playing make you question your choices.

5) Silent treatment

Once you begin to stand your ground, a manipulative man might resort to silent treatment as a form of punishment.

This involves ignoring you, avoiding communication, and emotionally withdrawing.

He might do this in the hope that the discomfort of being ignored will make you give in to his demands or apologize, even when you’ve done nothing wrong.

It’s a way for him to regain control and power in the relationship.

While the silent treatment can be incredibly hurtful and frustrating, it’s important not to let it break you down.

Keep reminding yourself that everyone has the right to express their feelings and opinions without fear of punishment.

6) Constant criticism

In my years of experience, I’ve seen that a common tactic used by manipulative men is constant criticism.

This can be especially painful, as it’s a direct attack on your self-esteem and self-worth.

You might find him constantly pointing out your flaws, criticizing your decisions, or belittling your achievements.

He does this to chip away at your confidence, making it easier for him to control you.

I want you to remember: no one has the right to constantly criticize you or make you feel less than.

You are enough just as you are. Standing your ground means refusing to let anyone define your worth.

7) Threats and intimidation

One of the darkest tactics manipulative men might use when you stand your ground is threats or intimidation.

This can take many forms, from subtle threats to overt acts of aggression.

I recall a time when a man I was trying to distance myself from started making veiled threats. He’d say things like, “You’ll regret this” or “You don’t want to see me angry.”

It was scary, and it made standing my ground even more challenging.

But I held firm.

I knew that submitting to threats would only enable his behavior and believe me, no one has the right to intimidate or threaten you.

8) Guilt-tripping

Guilt-tripping is another weapon often found in a manipulator’s arsenal.

When you assert yourself, the manipulative man might try to make you feel guilty for your decisions or actions.

For example, if you decide to spend less time with him and more on your own interests, he might say something like, “I can’t believe you’re abandoning me when I need you.”

This is a clear attempt to make you feel guilty and question your choices.

Ultimately, it’s perfectly okay to set boundaries and prioritize your own needs. Don’t let guilt-tripping sway your resolve.

9) Denial

The most dangerous tactic manipulative men use when you stand your ground is outright denial.

They may completely deny their manipulative behavior, insisting that you’re overreacting or making things up. This is designed to make you question your judgment and perceptions.

However, it’s crucial to trust your instincts.

If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Final thoughts

The complexities and dynamics of human relationships often hold us in a web of subtle power plays and manipulations.

But when it comes to manipulation, the most potent antidote is knowledge and self-awareness.

Recognizing the signs, as we have explored in these 9 points, is the first step towards reclaiming your power.

Keep in mind, that standing your ground doesn’t mean you are being difficult or stubborn.

It’s an assertion of your self-worth, a testament to your strength, and a crucial step towards healthier relationships.

Whether it’s dealing with a manipulative man or any form of toxic relationship, always trust your instincts.

They’re your internal compass guiding you through the labyrinth of human interactions.