You could be being manipulated without knowing it.
By Christine Schoenwald — Written on Oct 16, 2017
We like to think that we’re in absolute control when it comes to our lives but the truth is that there are all kinds of things that alter and influence us, including our zodiac signs.
We may have feelings of powerlessness when it comes to some of the relationships we have or how we still feel frustrated at where we are in our careers.
You can’t control how others think of you. We all want to be liked but there are times when someone isn’t going to like you or may even actively dislike you. Do you ignore them and go on with your life or do you start a campaign to change their opinion of you? Is it worth all that energy when, ultimately, it’s up to them?
We also have no control over other people’s behavior.
We can suggest other means of acting or point out to them that whatever they’re doing is annoying, wrong, or disgusting but that doesn't mean that they’re going to change.
There are times when others treat us badly and we accept it. Perhaps we think they’ll stop on their own or maybe we try to rationalize it that it’s not so terrible. It’s difficult to distance yourself from someone you love, but if they’re treating you like crap, removing them from your life is something you must do.
People who are manipulators, such as narcissists, may use whatever means necessary to control you. They may sense your insecurities and vulnerable areas and use them against you.
Our pride can control us; if we think that we’re being disrespected, it can cause us to behave in ways that we normally wouldn't. Like pride, feelings of hurt, betrayal, and anger can control us to do things completely out of character.
Here are the zodiac signs that are easily manipulated and controlled.
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
People control you by holding back. When someone doesn't give you everything you want and puts up a wall between you, you couldn't be more intrigued. The less they give, the more interested you are. You can't stand an unsolved mystery, and as independent as you are, if someone has hooked your interest, it's amazing what they can make you do.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
It's your selfishness that controls you. When you want something, you gotta have it, and you will do anything to have it now. You don't react well to "no" or someone telling you that you can't have something you have your eye on. Reverse psychology works well on you. When you're told "no" or you can't, you just get more determined.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
You can get thrown off a task by being overloaded by too many options, choices, opinions, and information. You want to give everything equal consideration but that just derails you. All someone has to do is to flood your brain with things to consider and they can distract you away from what you've set out to do.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
You give too much of yourself and your heart, and people can take advantage of you. You're so caring but there are people who are conniving and will manipulate you. No one is saying not to be the wonderful and giving person you are, just be a bit more cautious and listen to your instincts. If you start to think that someone isn't who they appear to be, back off.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
People manipulate you by praising you and making you believe that the action they want you to do will benefit you greatly. You can be swayed by a smooth talker and someone who tells you what you want to hear. You're smart and you know when someone is giving you a line of BS, so listen to your inner voice and think before you do something you'll regret.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
It's easy for people to tap into your insecurities and get you to do what they want. You strive for perfection but tend to feel as if you fall short. Someone with a manipulative personality will challenge your expertise and your knowledge and get you to do what they want.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
You tend to control others rather than be controlled. You want people to like you, so you do the legwork and find out what they like, dislike, who they are, and what makes them tick, and then you work to present as their perfect friend or partner. You aren't manipulative in a cruel way, but in a focused, get-what-you-want way. Though that overwhelming need to be liked can be used as a way to control you.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
While it's difficult to manipulate you, your intense emotions can be used against you. If you think someone has done you wrong, you won't stop until you get your revenge. It's all very Shakespearean with your incredible need for payback and vengeance. If you're more in love with someone than they are with you, you give them the power to use your feelings to their advantage.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
If someone wants to manipulate you, all they need to do is to make you feel disconnected. If you're not invited to a party, even if it's a child's birthday party and you don't have kids, it can drive you bananas if you're not included on the guest list. You hate feeling isolated because it makes you so vulnerable and you're easily taken advantage of.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
You're not vain exactly but you do want to be thought of as exciting, vibrant, and youthful — and a person who sees this can manipulate you by appealing to your vanity and creating an image for you of yourself that isn't practical or boring. They know that sometimes you don't want to be described as "mature," "thoughtful" or "dependable."
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
You buck up so much against authority that all someone needs to do to get you to do something is to make you feel as if you're rebelling if you do it. You get caught up in the protest and it doesn't even matter what you're protesting against. Make sure before you join the fight that it's something you believe and that you're not just trying to go against the man.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
You're a very kind person, so all someone needs to do is pull at your heart-strings and you'll do whatever they want. You're a people-pleaser even when it goes against your best interests. You're known for falling for every hard-luck story and for giving almost anyone the benefit of the doubt. It's okay to say "no" or to hold back.
Christine Schoenwald is a writer. She's had pieces in The Los Angeles Times, Salon, Woman's Day, Purple Clover, Bustle, and is a regular contributor to Ravishly and YourTango. Check out her website or her Facebook page.