I Thought it Was Love- How Manipulation Can Look Like Devotion. 

By,

Jennie & Jessica

Shatter the Silence Blog

“I thought it was love…”

How many of us have said that looking back?

When someone controls who you talk to, tells you what to wear, or says ‘I just want you safe.” It can feel like they’re being protective-even loving.

 

But what you’re really experiencing may be emotional manipulation dressed up as devotion.

 

How Manipulation Masquerades as Love

Some of the most dangerous red flags don’t scream. They whisper. Here are a few examples:

• You don’t need friends. I’m all you need.
• You’re lucky I love you after everything you’ve done.
• If you leave me, “I’ll hurt myself” 
• I know you better than you know yourself.

These words can sound tender- but they’re tools of control, guilt, and isolation.

The Lie: Love Should Hurt

We’re conditioned by movies, songs, and stories to believe love means:

• Jealousy is passion.
• Possessiveness is protection.
• Sacrifice is survival.

Real Love Lets You Breathe

You deserve a love that:

• Celebrates your independence.
• Trusts you- without surveillance.
• Apologizes without manipulation.
• Gives you space to grow.

To The Survivor Still Questioning

If you ever thought: “But they never hit me, so maybe it’s not abuse.”

Please know: emotional and psychological control is abuse- and you are not crazy for feeling broken.

You deserve clarity, calm, and compassion- not confusion, chaos, and control.

 

With all our hearts.

Jennie and Jessica

Shatter- the Silence Blog

shatterthesilence.com