One of the most common signs of a toxic and manipulative person is a sudden change in behavior. This can manifest in a variety of ways, such as becoming overly controlling, jealous, or possessive. The person may also start to exhibit mood swings, going from being loving and affectionate one moment to being cold and distant the next. This sudden change in behavior can be disorienting and confusing for the victim, as they struggle to understand what has caused this shift in their partner’s demeanor.

Furthermore, the sudden change in behavior may also be accompanied by an increase in criticism and nitpicking. The toxic individual may start to find fault with everything the victim does, constantly belittling and undermining their self-esteem. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt in the victim, as they try to navigate the unpredictable and hostile environment created by the toxic person.

Blame-Shifting and Gaslighting

Another hallmark of a toxic and manipulative person is their tendency to engage in blame-shifting and gaslighting. When confronted about their behavior, they will often deflect responsibility onto the victim, making them feel as though they are the ones at fault. This can be incredibly damaging to the victim’s mental health, as they start to internalize the toxic person’s gaslighting and believe that they are the problem.

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which the toxic person seeks to make the victim doubt their own perceptions and reality. They may deny things that have happened, distort the truth, or even outright lie in order to make the victim question their own sanity. This can lead to feelings of confusion, anxiety, and self-doubt in the victim, as they struggle to make sense of the conflicting information being presented to them.

Lack of Empathy and Remorse

One of the most striking characteristics of a toxic and manipulative person is their lack of empathy and remorse. They may be completely indifferent to the feelings and needs of others, showing little to no concern for the impact of their actions on those around them. This can be incredibly hurtful for the victim, as they feel as though their emotions are being disregarded and invalidated by the toxic person.

Furthermore, the toxic individual may also display a complete absence of remorse for their hurtful behavior. They may refuse to take responsibility for their actions, instead blaming the victim or making excuses for their behavior. This lack of accountability can be incredibly frustrating for the victim, as they struggle to make the toxic person understand the pain and suffering they have caused.

Manipulative Tactics

Toxic and manipulative individuals often employ a variety of manipulative tactics in order to control and dominate their victims. These tactics can range from subtle forms of manipulation, such as guilt-tripping and passive-aggressive behavior, to more overt forms of manipulation, such as threats and intimidation. The goal of these tactics is to exert power and control over the victim, making them feel as though they have no agency or autonomy in the relationship.

Furthermore, the toxic person may also use manipulation to isolate the victim from their support network, such as friends and family. They may sow seeds of doubt and mistrust in the victim’s mind, making them question the intentions of those around them. This can leave the victim feeling isolated and alone, with no one to turn to for support or guidance.

Hoovering and Love-Bombing

After a period of devaluation and discard, toxic individuals often engage in hoovering and love-bombing in order to regain control over their victims. Hoovering is a manipulation tactic in which the toxic person seeks to suck their victim back into the relationship, often by showering them with attention and affection. This can be incredibly confusing for the victim, as they struggle to make sense of the sudden change in their partner’s behavior.

Love-bombing is another manipulation tactic in which the toxic person overwhelms the victim with displays of love and affection. They may lavish the victim with gifts, compliments, and declarations of love in order to manipulate them into staying in the relationship. This can be incredibly disorienting for the victim, as they try to reconcile this sudden outpouring of affection with the hurtful behavior they have experienced.

Triangulation and Smear Campaigns

Toxic individuals often engage in triangulation and smear campaigns in order to manipulate and control their victims. Triangulation is a manipulation tactic in which the toxic person brings a third party into the relationship in order to create jealousy and insecurity in the victim. They may flirt with others, talk about ex-partners, or even compare the victim unfavorably to someone else in order to undermine their self-esteem.

Furthermore, toxic individuals may also engage in smear campaigns in order to damage the reputation of their victims. They may spread lies and rumors about the victim, turning friends and family against them in order to isolate them further. This can be incredibly damaging for the victim, as they struggle to defend themselves against the toxic person’s malicious attacks.

Refusal to Let Go

Finally, one of the most insidious aspects of a toxic and manipulative person is their refusal to let go of their victims. Even after the relationship has ended, they may continue to harass and stalk their ex-partner, seeking to maintain control over them even from a distance. This can be incredibly frightening for the victim, as they struggle to break free from the toxic person’s grip.

Furthermore, toxic individuals may also engage in hoovering and love-bombing in order to lure their victims back into the relationship. They may promise to change or seek forgiveness for their past behavior, only to revert back to their old ways once they have regained control over the victim. This cycle of abuse can be incredibly difficult for the victim to break free from, as they struggle to resist the toxic person’s manipulative tactics.

In conclusion, toxic and manipulative individuals often exhibit a variety of behaviors that are designed to control and dominate their victims. From sudden changes in behavior to blame-shifting and gaslighting, these tactics can be incredibly damaging for those on the receiving end. It is important for victims to recognize these signs of manipulation and seek support in order to break free from the toxic person’s grip. By understanding these behaviors and learning how to set boundaries, victims can reclaim their autonomy and protect themselves from further harm.