He seems like the perfect guy. He’s successful, worldly, and wants to help you. He calls himself your “mentor” and then offers to help with your rent, pay for a class, or invest in your business idea. At first, it feels like a dream come true, and you feel supported by someone who believes in your potential. But then, things start to feel…off. A subtle expectation for your time emerges, along with a hint of jealousy when you make other plans. This is the “Mentor” Trap, a sophisticated form of control. When a man uses financial support as a form of manipulation, it can erode your independence without you even realizing it. Here’s how it works.
