Still playing head games from afar – exhausted

Living on your wits, constantly looking over your shoulder, and wondering what’s coming next is a reality for those who endure manipulative and controlling relationships. The emotional and psychological toll of such experiences is profound, and the confusion created by constant lies and gaslighting is enough to leave anyone feeling disoriented and depleted.

Take, for example, the seemingly small but insidious lies—claims about a white car that was supposedly grey but turns out to be white after all. These deliberate inconsistencies aren’t just trivial; they’re a calculated attempt to destabilize and undermine your sense of reality. It’s the kind of behavior designed to make you question your memory, your instincts, and your judgment.

The manipulation doesn’t stop there. Imagine collecting your mail only to find that your bank cards have been canceled, leaving you stranded without money over Christmas. This deliberate act of sabotage, often justified by flimsy excuses or outright denial, is a cruel way of stripping away independence and control. It’s not just about the money; it’s about ensuring that you’re left vulnerable and dependent, trapped in a state of uncertainty and fear.

Refusing to pay bills and allowing them to mount up, only to tell family members they’ve been paid, is another form of deceit that creates chaos. These actions shift the burden of responsibility onto you while simultaneously painting a false picture to others, making you look unreliable or careless. And then there’s the cruelty of pretending to want the dog—a beloved family pet—but refusing to pay the vet bills, leaving you to carry the emotional and financial weight.

The list of manipulations and betrayals feels endless. Enlisting family members to send threatening emails about court proceedings in an attempt to coerce you into accepting less than you’re entitled to is yet another layer of the control tactics. These calculated moves are designed not just to win but to break you down, piece by piece.… Read More Still playing head games from afar – exhausted

Dishonesty and Truth

I want to address some specific instances where the truth has been manipulated and clarify the actual events as they occurred:
Trip to the UK During My Husband’s Treatment At a time when my grandson was facing a severe crisis, I made the difficult decision to travel to the UK to provide support. This decision was not made lightly but with my husband’s full encouragement. Despite undergoing treatment, he was playing tennis, and the treatment was nearing its conclusion. His understanding and encouragement were key factors in my decision to go, prioritizing family in a time of need. The Incident Leading to My Departure When the abusive incident occurred, I left the house in the middle of the night—at midnight—walking 3 kilometers in the dark. This was not a choice made on a whim but a decision born of necessity and self-preservation. Leaving under those circumstances was a deeply significant and painful moment.Changes to My Husband’s Will The very next day after the incident, my husband changed his will. I have the letter and proof that this occurred. However, let me be unequivocal: I did not leave because he changed his will. The sequence of events is clear, and the letter explicitly states that this change happened after the abusive event, not before.Baseless Accusations of an Affair Claims that I have been having an affair or am currently in a relationship are entirely false. These allegations stem from a hack of my Facebook account, during which someone altered my relationship status. This is not the first time my account has been compromised, and it has caused unnecessary confusion. The truth is simple: I am not in a relationship, nor have I been engaging in any inappropriate conduct.… Read More Dishonesty and Truth

Guessing Games

When you’re trying to resolve issues and your partner won’t provide clarity, it becomes impossible to make progress. It leaves you spinning in circles, feeling unworthy of the truth, and often doubting yourself. This behavior can even become manipulative, as the person withholding answers maintains control by keeping you in the dark and undermining your confidence. Mocking you for trying your best to understand them is not only disrespectful but also emotionally abusive. It sends the message that your efforts to fix the relationship don’t matter and that your feelings are unimportant.… Read More Guessing Games

Jealousy Relationship Games

Jealousy is often a complicated emotion, and for some people, it can act as a motivator to fight for a relationship they feel is being threatened. However, not everyone operates from that perspective. For someone like me, jealousy has never been a defining trait. It’s not in my nature to let insecurity or fear dictate my reactions or decisions. Instead, I believe in a love that is grounded in trust, respect, and mutual understanding. If those foundations are so fragile that someone would jeopardize them by playing games to provoke jealousy, then that relationship was never solid to begin with.

To the man who tries to make me jealous: I don’t play that game. If our love is genuine and strong, there should be no need for manipulative tactics to test or strengthen it. The moment someone feels the need to introduce games into a relationship, it’s a sign of immaturity, insecurity, or a lack of respect for the bond we share. And for me, that’s a dealbreaker.… Read More Jealousy Relationship Games

When the bad overshadows the good

It’s an incredibly heavy weight to carry when the memories of hurt overshadow what should have been love and kindness. It’s not your fault, and it’s a testament to your strength that you’ve survived and taken steps toward healing.

Sometimes, abusive relationships have a way of eroding the good moments or making them feel tainted. Your brain prioritizes survival, so it clings to the negative experiences to protect you from being hurt again. That’s not a failure on your part—it’s your mind doing its best to shield you.… Read More When the bad overshadows the good

Defying Logic

Imagine being accused of abandoning someone in their darkest hour, while they spin tales to their family of being left to suffer alone as they’re supposedly on their deathbed. The truth? While painting themselves as a victim, they are actively socializing, playing tennis, and living life without a hint of the dire straits they’ve claimed. Driven by compassion and a sense of duty, you return from the UK, prepared to face a medical crisis only to accompany them to a consultant appointment and learn they are fully recovered. It’s a situation you already suspected, but hearing it confirmed underscores the layers of deception at play.

Then comes the next bizarre accusation: they allege overhearing a telephone conversation in which you supposedly wished for their demise. A conversation that never happened, one your friend could not have participated in as they’re firmly against using platforms like WhatsApp and only use landlines. How could this have been overheard? Do they have X-ray hearing? The absurdity of it underscores their desperation to control the narrative and vilify you.… Read More Defying Logic

Crying Wolf

When someone cries wolf or feigns illness repeatedly over the years, it often leads to significant long-term consequences, both for the individual engaging in this behavior and for those around them. Here’s a deeper look at what typically happens over time: Loss of Trust Erosion of Credibility: Repeated false alarms cause others to question the person’s sincerity. Over time, even genuine concerns may be dismissed because trust has been broken.

Damaged Relationships: Friends, family, or colleagues may distance themselves, feeling emotionally exhausted or manipulated by the constant drama.… Read More Crying Wolf