Emotional manipulation is a tactic used to influence someone's feelings or behaviors for personal gain. It often involves exploiting vulnerabilities, using guilt, fear, or affection to control another person. This can occur in various relationships, including those with friends, family, or romantic partners. Manipulators may employ techniques such as gaslighting, where they make the victim doubt their own perceptions, or playing the victim to elicit sympathy. Recognizing these behaviors is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and protecting oneself from being exploited emotionally. Understanding boundaries and assertiveness can help individuals resist manipulation.