Sometimes it's difficult to tell whether you're being manipulated or not — especially when it comes to someone you love. Some manipulators are so sneaky that by the time you realize what's going on, it's often too late and a lot of damage has already been done.
To help you spot a manipulative partner, INSIDER asked relationship expert April Masini, founder of the relationship advice forum, "Ask April," to name five signs that your partner is actually engaging in these toxic behaviors.
If you notice your partner engaging in any of these tell-tale signs of manipulation, it might be time to move on to a healthier relationship.
Their stories are constantly changing
Masini told INSIDER that one of the biggest signs your partner could be a manipulator is if they constantly change their story when they’re around different people.
"If you see your partner answering the same question differently depending on who’s asking, you’re dating a manipulator," Masini said. "If the answers are wildly different, be on the lookout. You could easily be on the receiving end of a response that is less honest and intended to manipulate your feelings."
They never want to introduce you to their family or friends
Getting along well with your partner's family and friends is an important step in determining if they are "the one." But if your partner hides their family and friends from you, that is a major red flag.
"If your partner doesn't introduce you to friends or family — and it's been six to 12 months or more of dating, they're manipulating your perception of them," Masini told INSIDER. "One of the best ways to get to know someone is to meet the people they're close to — and when they keep you from doing this, you're dating a manipulator."
They avoid your calls
If your partner constantly doesn’t pick up your calls, Masini said it is a sign they don’t want you to find out where they are when you call.
"Sometimes this is because your partner has another partner or a family or doesn’t want you to know what they’re doing or how they’re living — and so they may keep a separate phone number or simply not pick up calls in order to control the relationship," Masini said.
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