Coercive Control: The Hidden Signs You're Being Manipulated by Someone You Love | Love | E568

You said yes. But what if you were never really free to say no? Here's the terrifying thing about coercive control: It can look exactly like love. Exactly like consent. And you might not recognize the manipulation until you're already trapped in it. In this eye-opening episode, I'm joined by forensic researcher AJ Greer, who studies sexual violence, dangerous relationship dynamics, and the psychology of abusers. We're exposing the subtle manipulation tactics, shocking red flags, and dangerous power dynamics that can turn a relationship into something you barely recognize. You'll learn: The hidden signs of coercive control that are dangerously easy to miss. Consent vs. coercion: Why saying "yes" doesn't always mean you had a choice. Love bombing, jealousy, and manipulation: The red flags you should NEVER ignore. The open relationship ultimatum: When "agreeing" becomes coercion. The dangerous bedroom trend that can have deadly consequences. How to help someone you love who's trapped in an abusive relationship. If you've ever questioned your partner's behavior, second-guessed your boundaries, or wondered whether something that happened to you was actually okay, you need to hear this conversation. Ready to get clarity about your relationship? You don't have to figure it out alone. Book a FREE consultation with a member of my team at Growing Self. Content note: This episode discusses coercion, sexual violence, abuse, and physical danger. If you need immediate support, visit our emergency resources or thehotline.org. Special thanks to this month’s sponsors of the podcast: Shopify — Every self-made person started somewhere. Yours starts free at shopify.com/lhs Quince — Quality products you’ll actually use that feel like luxury without the price tag. Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠quince.com/lhs⁠ Sequencing.com — Discover what your DNA can reveal about your health with clinical-grade whole genome sequencing that reads 100% of your DNA. Get 10% off with promo code LHS at Sequencing.com Ritual — Hormone-free support made for the perimenopause years. Get 25% off your first order at Ritual.com/LHS Tin Can — A screen-free phone that gives kids more freedom to talk to friends, with parental controls built in. Get $10 off your first order at tincan.com/LHS Vinted — A secondhand marketplace app that makes it simple to sell clothes you no longer wear and earn extra cash. The app is free to download, and with no seller fees, you keep what you earn.