How to Recognize and Handle Emotional Blackmail
Emotional blackmail is very common. It is no more than emotional manipulation when someone's threat is the only reason you end up doing something you didn't want to do. Here are a few examples of emotional blackmail and what you should do about it.
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Instructions
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Determine if it is a request or a demand.
A demand is when someone insists that it be done their way and their way only. The task must be done under their conditions or they will either punish themselves or you for it not happening. For example, a husband wants to go fishing. The wife starts crying and screaming that he never wants to spend time with her and that she will pack her things and leave if he goes. The husband feels so bad that he calls off his fishing trip, and stays home. Emotional blackmail.
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Look for patterns.
According to authors Lewis and Tessina, a person who consistently pouts, screams, shouts, threaten or use passive aggressive behavior to get their own way is using emotional blackmail on the recipient.
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Do not become an enabler.
Giving in and agreeing to this behavior sets a bad precedence. Do not agree to do something you do not want to do because of the person's threat to hurt themselves, withhold sex, or end the relationship. These people need to learn how to be in a healthy relationship and giving into them will not help them.
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Tips & Warnings
Read more about identifying and dealing with emotional blackmail by clicking on the links in the resource section of this article.
