5 Unethical Powers Feminine Women Use to Control Their Men
As a woman in a loving, healthy relationship, I’ve always believed in mutual respect and honesty as the foundation for love. But let’s face it — there’s a dark side to relationships we don’t often talk about. Some women, knowingly or unknowingly, use manipulative tactics to control their partners.
These tactics aren’t just harmful to the men involved; they also undermine the woman’s own self-worth and the potential for a genuinely equal relationship. Here are five unethical powers feminine women sometimes wield to manipulate their men — and why we need to stop.
1. Emotional Blackmail
“Do this, or I’ll be upset.” Sound familiar? Emotional blackmail is a subtle yet destructive way to control someone by leveraging their feelings of guilt or fear. It’s the emotional equivalent of holding someone hostage.
Why it’s wrong:
Love shouldn’t be a weapon. When women use tears, mood swings, or withdrawal of affection to get their way, they’re not only hurting their partners but also eroding trust. Instead, relationships should be built on open communication where both parties feel safe expressing their needs.
2. Weaponizing Vulnerability
Sharing personal struggles and vulnerabilities is a natural part of building intimacy. However, some women exploit this by turning their partner’s vulnerabilities into leverage.
Example:
“Oh, remember how you said you feel insecure about your job? Maybe that’s why you can’t understand what I want.”
Why it’s wrong:
Using someone’s insecurities against them is a breach of trust. Vulnerability should be a bridge to connection, not a tool for manipulation. Genuine support comes from uplifting your partner, not tearing them down.
3. Withholding Intimacy
One of the oldest and most unethical tactics is withholding physical or emotional intimacy as a form of punishment or to gain control.
Why it’s wrong:
Intimacy is a shared experience that should come from love and connection, not as a bargaining chip. Using it to manipulate your partner turns a beautiful part of the relationship into a transactional tool, leading to resentment and detachment.
4. Playing the Victim
Some women use the “poor me” narrative to shift blame or avoid accountability. This can look like exaggerating situations, twisting the truth, or always painting themselves as the one who’s been wronged.
Why it’s wrong:
Healthy relationships require both people to take responsibility for their actions. Constantly playing the victim not only hinders growth but also traps the other partner in a cycle of guilt and frustration.
5. Creating Competition
This tactic involves subtly or overtly making their partner feel they’re in competition with someone else — whether it’s a friend, an ex, or even a fictional “better man.”
Example:
“Well, so-and-so’s boyfriend surprises her with gifts all the time. Maybe you should take notes.”
Why it’s wrong:
Comparisons kill relationships. It creates insecurity and drives a wedge between partners. True love doesn’t thrive in a competitive atmosphere — it grows through mutual encouragement and acceptance.
Why I’m Against These Tactics
As someone who values authenticity and respect, I can’t condone these manipulative tactics. Relationships thrive when both partners feel empowered, not controlled. When women resort to these unethical powers, they don’t just harm their partners — they harm themselves.
Manipulation might get short-term results, but it destroys the long-term potential for trust and love. Let’s choose to build relationships based on equality, understanding, and genuine care. After all, real power in a relationship isn’t about control — it’s about connection.