Have you ever been approached by someone who seemed interested in you but then they said something insulting or backhanded? That, my friend, is negging.
Negging is a manipulative technique that some people use to try to lower someone’s self-esteem and make them more receptive to their advances. It’s a form of emotional abuse that can leave the victim feeling confused, hurt, and insecure.
In this blog, we’ll delve into what negging is, how to recognize negging in relationships, and, most importantly, how to overcome it.
What is Negging?
Negging is a term coined by pickup artists, also known as PUAs, who use it to attract women. The idea is to give a backhanded compliment that simultaneously insults the person and makes them feel they need to prove themselves to you.
For example, a neg might be, “That’s a nice dress, but it would look better on someone taller.” The idea is to make the person feel like they’re not good enough, so they try harder to impress you.
Negging is not limited to pickup artists, though. It can happen in any situation where one person tries to manipulate another. It can happen in friendships, romantic relationships, and even the workplace.
The goal of negging is to make the victim feel like they need to earn the approval of the person who is negging them. It’s a power play meant to make the victim feel small and powerless.
How to Recognize Negging
Negging can be subtle, so knowing what to look for is essential. Here are some indications that someone might be negging you:
- They give you backhanded compliments.
- They insult you in a way that seems like a joke.
- They make you feel like you need to prove yourself to them.
- They try to make you feel insecure about yourself.
- They use manipulative tactics to try to control you.
If someone is negging you, it’s important to recognize it to protect yourself.
Negging in Relationships
Negging in relationships is a serious issue that can cause long-term damage to both parties. It can occur in any romantic, familial, or friendship relationship.
In romantic relationships, negging can be especially harmful. A partner who uses negging attempts to control the other person by making them feel inferior. They may use backhanded compliments, insults disguised as jokes, or criticism about another person’s appearance, intelligence, or interests.
For example, a partner might say, “You’re pretty smart for someone who didn’t go to college,” or “I love how you’re not afraid to wear clothes that don’t flatter your body type.” These comments are meant to make the other person feel insecure and as if they need to prove their worth to their partner.
Over time, negging can erode the victim’s self-esteem and cause them to question their worth. This can lead to a cycle of self-doubt, anxiety, and depression. It can also create an unhealthy power dynamic in the relationship, where one partner must constantly please the other to earn approval.
If you suspect your partner is negging you, speaking up and setting boundaries are important. Let them know their behavior is unacceptable and you won’t tolerate it. If they continue to neglect you, seeking outside help, such as therapy or counseling, may be necessary.
In some cases, negging can be a sign of a larger issue in the relationship, such as emotional abuse. If you feel like you are being emotionally abused, it’s important to seek help from a trained professional who can help you navigate the situation.
Remember, you deserve to be in a healthy, loving relationship where you are treated with respect and kindness. Don’t let someone else’s manipulative behavior bring you down. Stand up for yourself and seek help if necessary.
How to Overcome Negging
If you think someone is negging you, you can do a few things to overcome it.
Call them out: If someone is negging you, call them out. Let them know their behavior is unacceptable and you won’t tolerate it.
Set boundaries: Set clear boundaries with the person who is negging you. Let them know what behavior is acceptable and what isn’t.
Walk away: If the person continues to neg you, it might be best to walk away. Negging is a form of emotional abuse, and you don’t deserve to be treated that way.
Build your self-esteem: Negging is designed to make you feel insecure. To overcome it, you need to build your self-esteem. Focus on the things you like about yourself and surround yourself with people who lift you.
Seek help: If you’re struggling to overcome negging, seek help from a therapist or counselor. They can help you build your self-esteem and develop strategies for dealing with manipulative people.
ALSO READ: How to Overcome Social Awkwardness
Final Thoughts
Negging is a manipulative technique that can leave the victim feeling confused, hurt, and insecure. If someone is negging you, it’s important to recognize it to protect yourself. Remember to call them out, set boundaries, walk away, build your self-esteem, and seek help if necessary.
Don’t let someone else’s manipulative behavior bring you down. You deserve to be treated with affection and kindness, and anyone who tries to make you feel otherwise doesn’t earn a place in your life.
