1. Indirect Communication
Using subtle hints instead of direct statements, sometimes leading to misunderstandings or manipulation.
2. Covert Aggression
Instead of open confrontation, expressing anger through passive-aggressive behavior, withdrawal, or sarcasm.
3. Validation Dependence
Seeking excessive emotional reassurance or attention to feel secure.
4. Emotional Containment as Power
Using emotional withdrawal or “ice-out” tactics to assert control in a conflict.
5. Over-Generalization
Using phrases like “you always” or “you never” during arguments, making resolution more difficult.
6. Social Comparison
Comparing oneself to others (especially other women) in terms of attractiveness, success, or approval.
7. Triangulation
Bringing a third person into a conflict to gain support, relieve guilt, or boost status.
8. Hyper-Selective Memory
Remembering past emotional slights with high accuracy and bringing them up in new conflicts.
9. Victim Posturing
Using vulnerability (real or exaggerated) to avoid accountability or to gain sympathy.
10. Jealous Competitiveness
Subtle rivalry or undermining of other women or partners when feeling threatened.
11. Emotional Escalation
Letting emotional intensity rise quickly, overwhelming the situation or partner.
12. Testing Boundaries
Setting tests (without saying so) to see how committed, loyal, or invested someone is.
13. Over-Interpretation
Reading too deeply into tone, micro-behaviors, or small changes in communication.
14. Impression Management
Curating a certain image to gain admiration, be seen as desirable, or fit a social narrative.
15. Attachment-Based Control
Using clinginess, guilt, or “if you loved me…” reasoning to keep someone close.
