At first, it seems innocent enough: he needs help with something small. You’re happy to lend a hand, but soon the requests multiply, and you feel more like his caretaker than his partner.
What’s Really Going On: Some men use a facade of helplessness to create a dynamic where you feel obligated to take care of them. This imbalance grows, and before long, you’re handling his responsibilities, making excuses, and shouldering more than your share.
Why It’s Questionable: This tactic plays on your nurturing instincts and guilt. In a healthy relationship, both people support each other equally; it’s not about one person taking advantage of the other’s willingness to help.
Final Thoughts
Are you being used? Recognizing these behaviors is the first step toward protecting yourself and building healthier relationships. Manipulation tactics are often subtle, cleverly disguised as love, need, or affection. Identifying these red flags can help you avoid toxic patterns and choose relationships based on mutual respect and genuine connection.
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