NO one deserves to be manipulated

Okay, this one is kinda personal, and I’ve been thinking about it for a while, so I feel like I need to say it out loud: manipulative relationships suck. Like, seriously. If you’ve ever been in one, you know exactly what I’m talking about, and if you haven’t, I hope you never have to experience it. But let me tell you—no one, no one, deserves to be in a relationship where they’re constantly being made to feel less than or like they’re walking on eggshells. Manipulation is one of the worst things someone can do in a relationship. Whether it’s friends, family, or a romantic partner, it’s the kind of behavior that slowly wears you down until you don’t even recognize yourself anymore. You start doubting your own decisions, your feelings, and even your worth. But let me be clear: that’s not okay. Sometimes, it starts small. You get little comments here and there like, “You’re too sensitive,” or “I didn’t mean it like that.” And at first, you think, “Oh, it’s no big deal. I must be overreacting.” But then it starts to build up. The guilt trips, the twisting of your words, the silent treatment when you do something they don’t like, or when they make you feel like everything is your fault, even when it’s clearly not. The worst part? You start to question yourself—was I wrong? Maybe I did something to deserve this? NO. You didn’t. No one deserves to be manipulated. Not you. Not me. No one. It doesn’t matter how much you care about someone. It doesn’t matter if they say they love you or that they’re sorry. Manipulation is toxic, and it’s a form of control that messes with your head and your heart. It doesn’t let you be yourself. It keeps you stuck, always trying to fix things, always feeling like you need to prove your love or worth. And here's the thing—you don’t. You shouldn’t have to prove your worth to anyone. Your value is not up for debate. Everyone deserves to be in relationships—romantic or otherwise—where they feel supported, valued, and respected. Relationships should bring out the best in you, not make you feel like you’re always walking on thin ice, wondering when the next emotional bomb is going to drop. If you’re in a relationship where you feel like you’re losing yourself, constantly doubting your worth, or feeling controlled in any way—you don’t need to stay there. There are better relationships out there. You deserve someone who will love you for who you are, flaws and all, without trying to make you feel less than. And you deserve to love yourself enough to walk away from anything that doesn’t make you feel whole. It’s hard. Trust me, I know. But nothing is more freeing than realizing you are worthy of love that makes you feel safe, appreciated, and like yourself. You are enough. And you deserve someone who sees that too. If you ever find yourself questioning if a relationship is manipulative, ask yourself: Does this person make me feel good about who I am? Or do they make me feel like I’m always failing or falling short? If it’s the latter, it’s time to let go. You deserve better. You’re worth more than the manipulation, the lies, and the emotional games. Always remember that. Always.