Sometimes, actions speak louder than words—and not always in a good way.
While it’s easy to overlook certain behaviors, especially in the early stages of getting to know someone, there are subtle signs that can reveal someone’s true character.
When it comes to manipulation and emotional games, some behaviors can point to deeper issues that are harder to see at first glance.
If a woman consistently exhibits these behaviors, it might be time to take a closer look. They could suggest a pattern of manipulation and a lack of authenticity—traits that don’t just complicate relationships but can also drain your emotional energy.
Let’s explore the seven behaviors that signal she might be more low-quality and manipulative than you realize.
1) She plays the victim
First up, let’s talk about how manipulative individuals have a knack for playing the victim card.
This behavior is especially prevalent in relationships. She may constantly portray herself as the innocent party, regardless of the situation. This is a classic manipulation tactic, designed to make you feel guilty or sympathetic.
Think about it. By playing the victim, she manages to shift blame and responsibility onto you. It’s a clever way to escape accountability for her actions.
Distinguishing between genuine hardship and manipulative victim-playing can be tricky. But if you notice a pattern, it’s time to question the quality of your relationship.
Keep in mind that manipulation is not about influence. It’s about control and avoidance of responsibility. Be mindful of this, and don’t let someone else’s manipulative tactics dictate your actions or emotions.
2) She’s a master of guilt trips
Manipulative and low-quality women have a way with words, and they’re often experts at making you feel guilty, even when you’ve done nothing wrong.
This is something I’ve personally experienced. I recall one relationship where my partner would often make me feel guilty for spending time with friends or pursuing my own hobbies. It was as if any time spent away from her was a personal affront.
For instance, she would say things like, “Oh, you’re going out with your friends again? I guess I’ll just stay here alone…” This was her subtle way of guilting me into changing my plans.
It took me a while to realize what was happening. But once I did, I understood how manipulative this behavior was. She was using guilt to control how I spent my time and who I spent it with.
Using guilt as a tool for manipulation is not just unfair; it’s emotionally draining. Constantly feeling guilty is definitely not normal, so take this as a warning sign.
3) She’s overly controlling
A common trait among manipulative individuals is a strong desire to control situations and people. This behavior often stems from a deep-seated fear of losing control.
In relationships, this control can manifest in various ways. She might dictate who you can and can’t see, or she might insist on making all the decisions, big or small.
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According to psychology, people who try to control others are often driven by high levels of anxiety and a need for personal security. These individuals believe that by controlling their environment, they can avoid potential threats or negative outcomes.
In a healthy relationship, decisions should be mutually agreed upon, not dictated by one party. If you notice that she always needs to be in control, it’s a clear sign of manipulation.
4) She’s always changing the narrative
Manipulative people have a knack for twisting facts and changing narratives to suit their own needs.
In a relationship, changing the narrative could show up in different ways, such as:
- Constantly revisiting past events or conversations
- Altering minor details to paint herself in a more favorable light
- Gaslighting — making you question your own memory or understanding of events
For instance, she may insist a certain argument never happened or that her hurtful words were said in jest. This constant reshaping of reality can leave you feeling confused and doubting your own perception.
If you find yourself constantly questioning your memory or feeling as though you’re walking on eggshells, it’s a red flag that she’s manipulating the narrative to maintain control. It’s essential for your mental health to recognize this behavior and take steps to address it.
5) She’s dismissive of your feelings
In a healthy relationship, your feelings should be acknowledged and respected. But a manipulative person often dismisses or minimizes your emotions.
This is something that really hit close to home for me. I was once in a relationship where my feelings were often brushed aside.
Whenever I’d express that I was hurt or upset, she’d quickly dismiss it, saying things like “You’re overreacting” or “You’re too sensitive.”
Instead of listening and showing empathy, she made me feel like my emotions were invalid. It was as if my feelings were a nuisance to her, something she didn’t have time or patience for.
This kind of behavior is not only disrespectful, but it’s also manipulative. By dismissing your feelings, she’s undermining your self-confidence and making you second-guess your emotions.
6) She’s hot and cold
On the surface, hot-and-cold behavior could seem like nothing more than playful teasing or someone being unsure of their feelings. But when it becomes a consistent pattern, it can be a sign of manipulation.
One moment, she’s showering you with attention, making you feel like the center of her world, and the next, she’s distant, leaving you questioning where you stand.
This behavior creates a push-pull dynamic designed to keep you hooked. It’s a control tactic.
By keeping you guessing, she holds the power in the relationship, making you work harder for her approval.
Over time, this emotional rollercoaster can chip away at your self-confidence and leave you walking on eggshells. If someone’s affection feels like it comes with strings attached, it’s worth taking a step back to evaluate the situation.
7) She never takes responsibility
Finally, perhaps the biggest red flag of a manipulative and low-quality woman is a refusal to take responsibility for her actions. Instead, she shifts the blame onto others and make excuses for her behavior.
If she’s constantly pointing fingers and refusing to acknowledge her wrongdoings, it’s a clear sign of manipulation. This behavior not only shirks responsibility but also undermines your feelings and experiences.
In a healthy relationship, both parties must be willing to admit their mistakes and work towards improvement. If she’s never in the wrong, you’re dealing with a manipulator.
Final thoughts: Knowledge is power
Understanding human behavior is an intricate affair, especially when it comes to manipulation.
One of the most enlightening pieces of research in this area comes from Dr. George K. Simon, a clinical psychologist and expert on manipulative behavior. In his groundbreaking book, “In Sheep’s Clothing,” he posits that manipulation is less about deceit and more about covert aggression.
Manipulative people are not necessarily trying to deceive you; they’re simply fighting for what they want in a way that puts you at a disadvantage.
Recognizing these behavioral patterns is your first step towards empowerment. By identifying manipulative behaviors, you can better protect yourself from their damaging effects and make more informed decisions about your relationships.
You deserve respect, honesty, and genuine love in your relationships. Don’t allow manipulation to cloud your perception or dictate your actions.
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