Advertisements
Introduction
It is common to find manipulative people in various areas of life, whether at work, in the family, or among friends.
Identifying these people can be difficult, but it's important to protect your emotional well-being. In this article, we'll explore seven typical characteristics of a manipulative person and recommend an app that can help you manage the anxiety caused by these situations.
Advertisements
Pay attention to these signs to protect yourself and better handle these situations.
1. They Make You Feel Guilty
How It Works
Manipulative people are experts at making you feel guilty about things that aren't your fault. They use guilt as a tool to control your actions and decisions.
Advertisements
See also:
- Unleash the DJ within you: Best DJ App
- Tea That Promises to End Anxiety with Only 2 Ingredients
- Learn to play the accordion in an easy and fun way
- Get to Know Your Virtual DJ to Create Amazing Mixes
- Discover the Best App to Create Easy Music
Examples
- “If you really cared, you would do this for me.”
- “I’ve done so much for you, and now you’re leaving me behind.”
To do
- Recognize the Manipulator: Notice when someone is trying to manipulate you.
- Set Limits: Don't let guilt get the better of you. Stand up for yourself and explain that it's not your fault.
2. They distort the facts
How It Works
Manipulators often distort facts to make you believe they're right and you're wrong. They may exaggerate or minimize situations to benefit themselves.
Examples
- “I never said that!” (when you know he said it)
- “You’re exaggerating. It wasn’t that bad.”
To do
- Trust Your Memory: If you know what happened, stand firm.
- Confront Calmly: Calmly ask questions about the facts and ask for clarification.
3. They are excellent at emotional blackmail.
How It Works
Emotional blackmail is a powerful weapon in the hands of a manipulator. They threaten, directly or indirectly, to take something important from you if you don't do what they want.
Examples
- “If you don’t do this, I’m leaving.”
- “I don’t know what I’ll do if you leave me.”
To do
- Recognize Blackmail: Identify when you are being emotionally blackmailed.
- Resist Threats: Stand firm and don't give in to blackmail.
4. They use the victim to justify actions
How It Works
Manipulative people often play the victim to justify their actions. They say they did something wrong because they felt bad or because someone treated them badly.
Examples
- “I only did that because I was very stressed.”
- “If you hadn’t treated me like that, I wouldn’t have reacted that way.”
To do
- Question the Justifications: Ask why the situation would justify inappropriate behavior.
- Don't Accept Unfounded Excuses: Recognize that everyone is responsible for their own actions.
5. They Lie and Omit Information
How It Works
Lying or omitting parts of the truth is a common manipulation tactic. This allows the manipulator to control the narrative and influence your perception of reality.
Examples
- Straight Up Lies: Making up stories to avoid responsibility.
- Omissions: Omitting important details that could change your mind.
To do
- Check the Facts: Whenever possible, seek confirmation from other sources.
- Confront the Lies: Question the manipulator when you discover a lie or omission.
6. They Make You Doubt Yourself
How It Works
Manipulators make you question your own sanity and judgment. This is known as "gaslighting," a technique to make the victim feel like they're wrong or going crazy.
Examples
- “You’re imagining things.”
- “You always exaggerate.”
To do
- Trust Your Perceptions: If you feel something is wrong, it probably is.
- Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends or family to confirm your perceptions.
7. They Are Extremely Charming When They Want Something
How It Works
Manipulators can be very charming and pleasant when they want something from you. They know exactly what to say to gain your trust and sympathy.
Examples
- “You are the only person who can help me.”
- “No one else understands like you do.”
To do
- Be Cautious: Be wary of sudden changes in behavior.
- Evaluate the Motives: Ask yourself why the person is suddenly being so nice.
Recommended Application: Sanvello
To manage the anxiety and stress that manipulative people can cause, we recommend the app SanvelloThis app offers self-help tools for anxiety, depression, and stress.
Benefits of Sanvello
- Guided Meditations: Relax and reduce stress with guided meditations.
- Mood Records: Track your emotional state and detect patterns.
- Self-Help Tools: Access techniques and exercises to manage anxiety and stress.
- Support Forums: Connect with a community that understands and supports you.
Conclusion
Identifying a manipulative person can be difficult, but recognizing these characteristics can help you protect yourself. Remember that you have the right to set boundaries and not let yourself be controlled.
If you recognize these signs in someone, try to talk openly about your feelings and, if necessary, distance yourself from that person to preserve your emotional health.
Download Sanvello to help you manage anxiety and stress caused by manipulative people. Take care of your emotional well-being!
Download here:
Sanvello – Android/iOS
