[SCROLL FOR CW]  - Have you ever felt manipulated by your partner? Did you try to break up with them, but they kept luring you back in? Abby brings on LMSW Vernique Esther to talk about how to recognize manipulation, set boundaries, and leave if necessary.  - Check out Vernique Esther's: - Website: https://www.verniqueesther.com/ - The Wholeness Academy: https://www.thewholenessacademy.com/ - Books: https://www.verniqueesther.com/shop - Follow the podcast - Abby's IG: https://www.instagram.com/abbymariemurphy/ - Abby's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theabbymurphy/ - The Break Up Break Down on IG: https://www.instagram.com/breakupbreakdownpodcast/ - Submit a break up story/couple: https://forms.gle/ATdabGFwyy7tEx3W8 - Submit Feedback: https://forms.gle/jZcG5YPcBqPyNxEz9 - Timestamps: - (00:00): Introducing Vernique - (00:56): How do I know I'm getting manipulated? - (04:06): Why do people manipulate? - (07:07): Why do I feel bad for setting up boundaries? - (09:18): How do I handle religious manipulation? - (12:10): What if my partner threatens me w/ self-harm to keep us from breaking up? - (14:04): How do I leave a manipulative relationship? - (15:00): Can you ever work through manipulation? - (18:24): How to set boundaries in a relationship with someone who has manipulative tendencies? - (20:55): Why do I want to go back to someone who manipulated me? - (23:08): How do I convince myself I deserve better? - [CW: This episode briefly discusses: self-harm/suicide, domestic violence, religious trauma] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices