Episode 65: They’re Not Just Mean - They’re Manipulative: Spotting Toxic Behaviour Before It Drains You

December 17, 2025

Ever feel like someone is quietly messing with your mind, leaving you confused, drained, or second-guessing yourself? Yep, that’s manipulation and it shows up in ways you might not even realise.

In this episode of The StacyM Show, I get real about manipulation, narcissistic behaviour, and toxic dynamics at work, in friendships, and in relationships. I share a personal story about recognising manipulation during a vulnerable time in my own life, and give practical tips for spotting it, protecting yourself, and reclaiming your power. You’ll leave feeling seen, empowered, and ready to set boundaries that actually stick.

What You’ll Learn:

How to spot gaslighting, love-bombing, and other manipulative tactics
Why manipulation often hits hardest when you’re distracted or vulnerable
How to set boundaries that protect your mental and emotional well-being
Practical steps to limit engagement with toxic people without guilt
Ways to lean on support systems and practice self-compassion

If this episode resonates, share it with someone who might need these insights, check out my ebook for a deeper dive, or book a chat with me to talk about your own experiences.

Stacey M Website - https://www.stacymunzenberger.com
Grab the eBook on Narcissistic & Manipulative Behaviour - https://www.transformwithstacy.com/the-narcissist-playbook
Book a 1:1 Call with Stacy - https://www.stacymunzenberger.com/contact

Manipulation is about their behaviour, not your worth—so shut the guilt down and reclaim your power.\

#ToxicRelationships #NarcissisticAbuse #Manipulation #SelfCareTips #SetBoundaries #EmpowerYourself

Episode Transcript

Welcome back to the Stacey M Show where we get real about life, law and anything that is in between. Today I just wanted to talk about something that touches so many of our lives and it's manipulation, toxic dynamics and narcissistic behaviours. And whether you've seen it at work, in friendships or in your personal life, these patterns can leave us feeling confused, drained and questioning ourselves. And I want to share something personal because even as someone who works with these issues professionally, I'm also not immune. And recently, while managing some major challenges in my own life, including a recent significant health diagnosis, I realized I was experiencing manipulation. It caught me off guard, especially during a time where I was already feeling pretty vulnerable. And then I felt pretty stupid. And then I just told myself, Stacey, shut up. But for example, I settled pressure to put someone else's needs ahead of my own well-being. It was a reminder that manipulation can creep in quietly. And it often shows up when we're at our lowest or our most distracted. So how can you spot these behaviours? Here are some things to look out for. Gaslighting. You're made to doubt your own memory or feelings. You might hear you're overreacting or that never happened. Lack of accountability. They rarely apologise or own their mistakes. Blame is always shifted elsewhere. Boundary violations. Even when you set clear boundaries, they're ignored or dismissed. Love bombing, then withdrawal. Intense attraction or affection followed by sudden criticism or distancing. Victim mentality. How they always make themselves out to be the person who has been wronged. If any of this feels familiar, please know it's not a reflection of your worth or your strength. If you recognise these patterns in your life, here are a few things that can help. Acknowledge it. Quietly name what's happening. Awareness is the first step and that's exactly what I did the other week. Set and hold boundaries. Be clear and firm about what you will and won't accept. It's okay to say no. Limit engagement. Try not to get drawn into arguments or attempts to justify your own reality. Reach out. Lean on trusted friends, a therapist or support groups. You don't have to do this alone. Practice self-compassion. Remind yourself that manipulation is about the other person's behaviour, not your value. Sometimes the healthiest choice is to limit or end contact if possible. And you know what? That's okay. If you're facing manipulation or toxic dynamics, know that you are not alone. I see you and I have been there too, like literally recently. Your feelings are valid and you deserve relationships that are supportive and real. If this episode resonated or if you'd like to share your story, I'd love to hear from you. Please reach out. The contact details are below. And thank you for tuning in to the Stacey M Show where I try to remain a human as much as possible. And please share this with someone who you think might be needing some tips in relation to a narcissistic or manipulative relationship. relationship remember you always have my ebook that you can utilize as well which the details are below as well so enjoy the rest of your day and take care guys in recording