elemental-yoga

    Sometimes relationships seem solid because there's no fighting, everything looks calm, and there's a sense of stability. Beneath the surface, affection, intimacy, or honesty may be missing. So I ask you, How do we reconcile the illusion of a relationship with the reality of what it truly was?  Let's explore the illusion; shall we?      Have you lived around turmoil for the majority of your relationships? Was there abuse/neglect of some kind part of your childhood experience? If that's the case (trust me; you're not alone here), the lack of arguments and conflict doesn't equal emotional closeness. Your partner may even give you sound advice about personal issues, share "something they've never told anyone before"...breadcrumbs...just to keep you "hooked".      The affection, presence , and emotional investment into the relationship are the elements that sustain a relationship. In most failed relationships, that investment is unbalanced...

      Manipulation isn't always loud, chaotic, or  obvious. Some people are extremely calculated; they study your behaviors, lean your triggers, and use that knowledge to influence you quietly over time. Recognizing this subtle form of manipulation is key to protecting your emotional well-being.     1)   PREDICTIVE CONTROL      A manipulative person may observe your patterns, reactions, and weaknesses over time. Instead of arguing or contradicting you, they anticipate how you will respond and steer situations in their favor.     2)  EMOTIONAL LEVERAGE WITHOUT CONFLICT       You may never  experience overt arguments, blame shifting, or gaslighting. Instead, the manipulator uses small, precise actions to influence your feeling and decisions, often leading you questioning yourself, eventually doubting how you process your emotions.      3) QUIET UNDERMINING       This typ...