Sometimes, without even realizing it, we draw toxic and manipulative people into our lives.
The key here is our behavior. Often, the actions we think are harmless can actually be a magnet for such individuals.
Unknowingly, we may be sending out signals that attract these damaging personalities, leaving us wondering why we always end up in unhealthy relationships.
In this article, I’m going to share 9 things you might be doing that are pulling in toxic and manipulative people. It’s not about blaming yourself; it’s about identifying these behaviors so you can make a change for the better.
1) Being too trusting
Trust is a crucial component of any relationship. However, being overly trusting can make you a target for manipulative and toxic individuals.
Often, we tend to give people the benefit of the doubt, assuming their intentions align with ours. But toxic personalities see this as an opportunity to take advantage.
Think about it. We often share personal information or extend our trust, believing the other person will reciprocate in kind. This can be exploited by manipulative individuals who see your trust as a weakness to be leveraged for their personal gain.
If you find yourself constantly falling into a pattern of attracting toxic people into your life, it might be worthwhile to evaluate how quickly and easily you extend your trust.
2) Ignoring red flags
In my own experience, I’ve found that one of the biggest draws for toxic and manipulative people is when we ignore the warning signs or ‘red flags’.
I remember being in a friendship where my friend would constantly belittle my achievements. She would pass it off as a joke, and I used to laugh it off, ignoring the clear red flag that she was subtly undermining my self-esteem.
Toxic and manipulative individuals often test the waters with small actions or comments to see how much they can get away with. If we dismiss or ignore these signs, we are essentially giving them a green light to continue their behavior.
After reflecting on that friendship, I realized that recognizing and acting on these red flags is crucial. Not only does it help to set boundaries, but it also sends a strong message to toxic individuals that their behavior is not acceptable.
3) Lacking boundaries
Boundaries act as a protective fence around our emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing. When we lack clear boundaries, we become susceptible to the manipulations and intrusions of toxic individuals.
Psychologists have found that individuals with weak or unclear boundaries are more likely to become victims of manipulation and abuse. This is because without boundaries, it’s challenging to separate our needs and feelings from those of others.
Toxic personalities thrive in environments where they can control and influence others without resistance. Without set boundaries, they can easily overstep and manipulate situations to their advantage.
4) Constantly playing the peacemaker
Are you always the one smoothing over conflicts, even at the expense of your own feelings? This could be a magnet for toxic and manipulative people.
When we continually suppress our feelings to keep the peace, we inadvertently signal that we’re willing to tolerate unacceptable behavior. This can attract individuals who thrive on control and manipulation, as they see it as an opportunity to push their agendas without resistance.
While harmony is important, it’s equally essential to stand up for yourself and communicate your needs. Remember, it’s not your responsibility to manage other people’s emotions or actions. Balance is key: while maintaining peace is admirable, don’t let it come at the cost of your own well-being.
5) Struggling with self-esteem
Self-esteem plays a pivotal role in the kind of people we attract into our lives. If we consistently undervalue ourselves, we may unknowingly attract individuals who exploit this insecurity.
Manipulative and toxic people often prey on those with low self-esteem because it makes their tactics of control and manipulation more effective. They sense the insecurities and use them to their advantage, often making the person feel even more inadequate and dependent.
Working on improving your self-esteem can change the dynamics drastically. When you start valuing yourself and recognizing your worth, you become less susceptible to manipulation and more likely to attract healthy relationships.
6) Fearing loneliness
Fear of being alone can sometimes lead us into the arms of the wrong people. We may feel so desperate to avoid loneliness that we ignore the warning signs and let toxic individuals into our lives.
Deep down, we all long for connection and companionship. But compromising your well-being to avoid being alone can lead to a cycle of unhealthy relationships.
I understand how daunting loneliness can feel. But remember, being alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely. It can be an opportunity for self-reflection, growth, and self-love. It’s better to be alone and content than in bad company.
If you find yourself clinging to toxic relationships out of fear of being alone, it might be time to reassess. You deserve relationships that bring joy, respect, and positivity into your life – don’t settle for anything less.
7) Over-empathizing
Empathy is a beautiful trait. It helps us connect with others on a deeper level. But there was a time when my high empathy levels became a double-edged sword.
I would find myself drawn to troubled individuals, feeling an intense need to help them, or fix their problems. This tendency led me to attract people who exploited my empathy for their own gain.
It’s important to remember that while it’s great to empathize, we must also protect our own mental and emotional health. We can’t pour from an empty cup, and it’s not our responsibility to fix others.
8) Seeking validation from others
We all enjoy receiving compliments and being appreciated. However, when we start relying on others for validation, it can attract manipulative individuals.
Toxic people can sense when someone seeks external validation, and they often use this as a manipulation tool. They might shower you with praise and approval, only to withdraw it later to control or influence your behavior.
Your worth is not defined by the approval of others. It comes from within. By learning to self-validate and appreciate your own worth, you can break free from the need for external validation and reduce the likelihood of attracting manipulative personalities into your life.
9) Not trusting your gut
The most powerful tool you have in avoiding toxic and manipulative people is your intuition. Your gut feeling is an innate, powerful force that can alert you when something or someone isn’t right.
Manipulative people are experts at seeming charming and convincing on the surface. But your intuition can pick up on subtle signs and signals that something is off.
Ignoring these feelings can lead us to dismiss red flags and fall into the traps of manipulative individuals. Trusting your gut is about respecting your instincts and understanding that they are there to protect you.
Listen to that inner voice. It knows what it’s talking about.
