#204: Are You Being Manipulated—or Are You the Manipulator?

Love Shack Live: Helping Couples Rescue Their Relationships

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Ever feel like you’re walking on eggshells, second-guessing every word you say or action you take in your relationship? Or maybe you notice a quiet tension—like something unspoken is driving your connection further apart. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: manipulation often hides in plain sight. And it’s not just them—it’s us, too.

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for anyone at a relationship crossroads. If you’re stuck in daily conflicts or feeling a growing emotional gap, we’re here to help you rebuild a bond that’s real, lasting, and built on mutual respect. We’ve guided thousands of couples to rediscover connection—and we’re here to guide you, too.

In this episode, we’re uncovering the often-overlooked dynamics of manipulation. What does it look like in your relationship? Why does it happen even when your intentions are good? And how can you break free from it without sacrificing what you need?

Together, we’ll explore:

• The surprising ways manipulation sneaks into everyday interactions.
• How it damages emotional safety and connection over time.
• Practical, actionable steps to communicate clearly, ask for what you need, and rebuild trust.

Ready to let go of the silent power struggles and create the honest, loving connection you deserve? Press play—this is the conversation your relationship needs.
Timestamps:

03:37 Forms of Manipulation
06:43 The Power Dynamics of Manipulation
24:17 Personal Story: Manipulation in Action
30:52 Recognizing Subtle Manipulation in Relationships
30:58 The Blame Game: Self-Doubt and Manipulation
33:21 Creating Doubt: The Ice Cream Parlor Example
35:17 The Power of Asking Directly
37:26 Understanding and Overcoming Manipulation
40:06 The Importance of Honest Conversations
42:36 Empowering Yourself to Ask for What You Need
45:18 The Impact of Manipulation on Relationships
53:06 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events
And for those ready to take their journey even further, join our waitlist for Save Your Marriage: A Blueprint for Avoiding Divorce at stacibartley.com/waitlist and be the first to know when we open enrollment! (We will have a special offer for podcast listeners!)