Since on the road to healing I have discovered that the thought of being manipulated is what drives a lot of my internal chatter - I am hypervigilant, on guard, on the look out, watching for any signs that I may be being manipulated.

I guess the biggest realisation that I have had is that those that I fear manipulating me are usually the least likely too.

My last relationship suffered at the hands of this; I found it difficult to really see the truth of any situation surrounding conflict as I felt my partners suggestions were just him trying to manipulate me.

He understands this now and always reassures me that he is not 'out to get me', and that he just genuinley cares. However, as we are no longer together I guess it is easier for me to see this. I trust him now, but I am also aware that this new found trust is also because there is less of an emotional risk of being hurt and manipulated by him.

Manipulation is another good old fashioned defense mechanism - fear of it drives you to extremes in order not to become manipualted. It causes a lot of dysfunctional thinking and pushes people away.....

Spirit x