#447 From Guilt Trips to Gaslighting: How to Outsmart a Manipulator

Ever leave a conversation feeling like your brain’s been scrambled and you’re not sure why? Maybe you’re suddenly questioning your own reality, feeling guilty, or bending over backwards for someone who... let’s be real, might not deserve it? If that sounds familiar, pull up a chair, my friend.

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on manipulation—not to teach you these tactics (please don’t use them!), but so you can spot them, disarm them, and never get played again.

In this episode of the Love, Happiness & Success podcast, I’m breaking down the five most common manipulative tactics, why they work so well, and how to protect yourself—with confidence, clarity, and maybe even a little compassion.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Welcome to the dark side (just kidding... kind of)
01:28 – Why manipulation works on good people
04:51 – Awareness is your superpower
06:01 – Guilt-tripping 101: How they hook you
09:07 – How to disarm a guilt trip like a boss
18:03 – Playing the victim: When empathy is used against you
31:36 – Love bombing: It’s not just for dating apps
33:01 – Healthy relationships take time (and boundaries)
36:55 – Narcissists, splitting, and people who come on way too strong
43:22 – Withdrawal + passive aggression = manipulation in disguise
54:11 – Let’s talk about gaslighting (finally!)
01:01:18 – What to do if you have vulnerabilities that get you caught in this stuff

If you’re realizing that certain relationships in your life are way more complicated than they should be—or if you’ve been stuck in a cycle of guilt, confusion, or second-guessing yourself—you don’t have to stay there. You deserve support. You deserve clarity. You deserve healthy connections.

Come connect with me and my amazing team at Growing Self and schedule your free consultation. Whether you’re looking for therapy or coaching, we’re here to help you break free from toxic patterns and build the life and relationships you actually want.

And hey—don’t be a stranger! You can find me on Instagram and YouTube for even more real-talk, tools, and live Q&A sessions. Let’s grow together.

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

P.S. Know someone who’s been struggling with manipulation in their relationships? Be a good friend—share this with them. It might be the lightbulb moment they’ve been waiting for. 💡❤️