Top 10 Manipulation Tactics To Watch For

Have you ever noticed how some people manage to conveniently hear only what suits them? Moreover, when you're trying to voice your opinions or just to state facts - they seem to have a different recollection of events. The more you try to explain your view, the crazier (more agressive, irratical, paranoid - pick yours) they make you sound.

No, you're not going mad, you're being gaslighted. Gaslighting can make you question your own reality. Trust your instincts and seek support from trusted friends or a therapist to keep a clear perspective.

Let's say you had a fight. No big deal, right? You even would like to apologize, but your partner is nowhere to be found - unanswered calls, texts left on read. Anxiety and desperations grow fast in you. At some point you're ready for anything to stop that uncertainty.

The silent treatment is the form of emotional punishment. Don't sit and wait when that punishment becomes abusive.

Laura accused her boyfriend, Tom, of being unfaithful whenever he talked to other women, even though Tom was always honest and transparent. Eventually, Tom discovered that Laura had been hiding her own affair.

Projection is a way for manipulators to deflect guilt. Pay attention to accusations that seem unfounded and consider is the accuser might be hiding something.

Whenever there was an issue in their relationship, Ethan's partner, Chloe, always found a way to make it Ethan's fault. If she was late, it was because Ethan didn't remind her of the time. If she forgot to pay a bill, it was because Ethan stressed her out.

Hold your partner accountable for their actions and refuse to accept unwarranted blame.

Imagine living in a perfect trap. Every time you try to distance yourself a little, your partner says thing like, "If you leave, I'll be so lonely and might hurt myself." Whatever love you might've had in the past is suffocated out of you by fear, supressed anger and guilt.

Emotional blackmail uses fear and guilt to control. It's crucial to set boundaries and seek professional help if someone uses such tactics.

John and Emily have been dating for a year. At the beginning of their relationship, Emily showered John with affection and thoughtful gestures. He truly felt valued. However, over time, Emily's behavior became unpredictable.

For instance, after a particularly rough week of Emily ignoring his calls and being unusually cold, she suddenly planned a surprise romantic weekend getaway, lavishing him with attention. John felt relieved and hopeful, thinking things were back to normal. But soon after, Emily's cold behavior returned, leaving John confused and anxious.

Intermittent reinforcement is a manipulation technique where positive reinforcement is given sporadically rather than consistently. This unpredictability creates a powerful psychological effect, making the person more likely to tolerate negative behavior in hopes of receiving the positive reinforcement again.