In this video by relationship coach Lise Leblanc, she explains how men often lose their sense of self in toxic relationships through subtle "demand characteristics" — invisible psychological pressures that reshape their behavior without them realizing it. The seven ways include becoming her emotional regulator (soothing outbursts), chasing her during withdrawals, hyper-anticipating her needs and moods (walking on eggshells), acting as her constant rescuer (absorbing blame and enabling bad behavior), endlessly proving your worth amid shifting tests, doubting your own reality (gaslighting yourself to align with hers), and prioritizing her above everything else. She uses client stories to illustrate how these patterns erode identity, confidence, and autonomy, offering clarity for those feeling like a unrecognizable version of themselves.
