Emotional blackmail is a thing

Oppose to the general belief that blackmailing must involve something physical like an exchange of money for a leaked sex tape, or exchange of services for a secret, blackmailing can be done without any shady secret being used as leverage. Emotional blackmail is a common form of blackmail, this can be done without one even knowing, you continue to please someone to your own detriment.

Emotional blackmail can be defined as an intentional act to manipulate an individual emotionally and to gain an advantage. This tactic is commonly used by individuals in power to force others to do their bidding while keeping them in a psychological state of fear or helplessness. Blackmailers may use threats, humiliation or intimidation to get what they want. A boss at work can keep on threatening workers with sacks indirectly by talking about how lucky they are to be earning what they are getting from the country.

These are powerful weapons of manipulation. By attacking the vulnerabilities and sensitivities of their victims the blackmailer seeks to gain control through fear, shame and guilt. People who are vulnerable, hurt and lacking self-esteem, power and control are especially susceptible to threats designed to undermine their sense of security.

And these are techniques that have been adopted by many people in the corporate world. They use it to drive you towards a 'YES', as simple as that.

Emotional blackmail deals with psychology, a person is manipulated emotionally to do things they wouldn't do in a normal condition. They are told they are worthless, they are loved. As a result, they become reliant on the person doing it and feel compelled to do what this other person wants them to do. Blackmailers try to take over their victims' lives.

"When people use emotional blackmail, it is because they have tried all the normal avenues of getting what they want and have not had any success," according to a psychotherapist, Dr John Clarke.

"As a result, they become desperate or frustrated and feel that if they don't do something drastic or different, their whole world would fall apart.

"They behave in ways that are within the boundaries of socially acceptable behaviour, but that clearly means their victims have no choice but to comply with their demands."

The best way to deal with people who blackmail us is not to give in to their threats straight away. Instead, we should think about what we can do to change the situation and maintain control of our choices so that we don't feel out of control.

Even in Marriages and friendships, one can be blackmailed

 In some marriages and friendships, one person is being blackmailed emotionally but does not realize it happens or chooses not to pay attention to it either to save their marriage or friendship.

Family and friends usually use different tactics to get people to do their bidings since they know fully well that they love them and will do anything to see them happy. So, they behave badly in public, threaten to run away, threaten divorce, stop talking etc.

Sometimes, people blackmail you emotionally so much that you become weak and decide you'll do anything just to see them happy. You might call it love but this is called a form of emotional blackmail.

Blackmail is a tricky thing.  It is always present in most relationships nowadays, but you can be ignorant of it.

We all know the tactics of the normal blackmailers, the most common ones being guilt-tripping and money. Asking for money, promising an expensive gift, or acting hurt are all signs of blackmailing. A little attention needs to be given to the psychological aspect too. Sometimes, people resort to these tactics without even knowing they are being blackmailed because they are so close with the person that they care about.

These people don't know how much damage they are causing themselves and their relationships. They give in because they either don't want the relationship to end or they don't want their friend or spouse to suffer in any way. So what really is the problem with this? Well, the problem lies with the fact that these "friendships and marriages" aren't really friendship or marriage at all today; it's just a business transactions. That’s my take.

Thanks for Reading! 🤗💚🤗