Manipulation

I saw this list of 15 signs of manipulation and I had to sit with it for a minute…because it felt way too familiar.

Not because I’m perfect.

Not because I’ve never made mistakes.

But because for a long time, I was in spaces where:

• my feelings were ignored

• my words were twisted

• accountability only went one way

• and I was made to feel like I was “too much” for wanting honesty and respect

And let’s be real — another sign people don’t talk about enough is when someone

hides behind fake accounts, secret profiles, and sneaky behavior just to watch, stir things up, or control the narrative…

and then sends other people to do their dirty work instead of handling anything directly.

That’s not misunderstanding.

That’s manipulation with backup.

And the part that really matters?

I’ve been done for 2–3 years now.

I walked away. I chose peace. I rebuilt my life.

But some people don’t move on — they recruit, rewrite stories, and keep the drama alive because it’s the only way they still feel powerful.

When someone keeps you confused, insecure, and questioning yourself, that’s not conflict — that’s control.

And the hardest part?

Sometimes the manipulation doesn’t come from enemies.

It comes from people who say they care,

people who claim to stand for compassion and inclusion,

but can’t practice either when it actually matters.

I didn’t walk away because I was weak.

I walked away because I got strong enough to stop accepting behavior that hurt me.

I’m done shrinking to keep peace.

I’m done explaining my boundaries.

I’m done proving my truth to people who benefit from misunderstanding me.

Growth taught me this:

If someone needs you quiet, confused, or afraid to stay in your life —

they were never safe for you to begin with.

So yeah… if this list feels personal to you too,

just know you’re not crazy, you’re not overreacting, and you’re not alone.

Choosing myself was the hardest decision I ever made… and the healthiest one too.

Hope is my rebellion. ⚓🦋