Have you ever felt like someone is trying to play mind games with you?
you are not alone. Many of us have encountered people who are experts at getting others to do what they want. Real kicking? Often, we don’t realize this until it’s too late.
So, how about we put on our detective hats and learn to spot these scammers? By being aware of these signs, you can outsmart them and not fall into their traps.
Get comfortable and let’s delve into the world of these sneaky behaviors.
1) They always play the victim card
Have you ever met someone who always seems to be the victim?
No matter the situation, they somehow end up being the ones wronged. This is a classic tactic used by manipulators.
By playing the victim, they elicit your sympathy and manipulate your emotions, making it easier for them to influence your decisions and actions.
So, next time you meet someone who seems to have an endless string of hurtful stories, take a step back and think – is he really unlucky or is he just trying to manipulate you?
2) They know just what to say to compliment you
Who doesn’t like a compliment, right? But manipulators take this to a whole new level.
They have a knack for saying the right thing that makes you feel special. But don’t be fooled, this is not real admiration. It’s a calculated move to gain your trust and make you more open to their influence.
Be aware that someone always seems to be teasing you. Genuine compliments are great but constant compliments can be a sign of manipulation.
3) Makes you feel guilty for no reason
Have you ever felt guilty without knowing exactly why? This happened to me once.
I had a friend who would often make me feel bad for not spending enough time with her. She would say things like: “You’re always so busy. I feel like you don’t value our friendship.” I would end up feeling guilty and canceling my plans just to hang out with her.
This is a classic guilt trip, and a common tactic used by manipulators. They make you feel guilty about things that aren’t your fault, or twist situations to make you feel like you’re at fault. This way, they can control your actions and decisions more easily.
4) They rarely take responsibility for their actions
Have you ever noticed how some people never seem to be wrong about anything?
They are experts at shifting blame and often find creative ways to shift their mistakes onto others. This way, they can maintain a clean image and keep you balanced.
5) They often invalidate your feelings
Imagine this: You’re having a tough day, and you decide to open up to someone about how you’re feeling. But instead of listening and empathizing, they dismiss your feelings as trivial or exaggerated. This can be very painful, right?
Well, this is something that manipulative people often do. They invalidate your feelings to make themselves seem superior or to control the situation.
Keep in mind that your feelings are valid and that they matter. So, when you notice that someone is constantly ignoring your feelings or making you feel unable to express them, it could be a sign of manipulation.
Always surround yourself with people who respect your feelings and lift you up, not those who tear you down.
6) They use your fears against you
Let me share a personal story with you. I used to be really self-conscious about my weight. I had this friend who was aware of my insecurities. Instead of being supportive, he often used it against me.
Every time we disagreed about something, he would make a hurtful comment about my weight, making me feel bad about myself.
This is a common trick in the juggler’s playbook. They will use your insecurities against you to make you feel weak and more likely to give in to their demands.
It’s a low blow, but it’s effective. Be wary when someone constantly uses your weaknesses against you during arguments or disagreements. Because they might be trying to manipulate you.
7) They are masters at gaslighting
Let’s be real for a moment – being gaslighted is like living in a nightmare. You begin to doubt your sanity. You feel like you are losing your grip on reality. It’s that annoying feeling when someone tells you that what you just saw didn’t happen. Or the thing you remember clearly never happened.
And imagine what? Manipulators love gaslighting. It’s their secret weapon. They use it to confuse you, to make you question your memory, perception, or judgment. It is a psychological manipulation technique that can be incredibly harmful.
Make sure to take a step back and evaluate the situation when someone in your life is constantly trying to make you doubt yourself or make you feel like you’re “crazy.”
Trust your instincts, believe in yourself and do not allow anyone to manipulate your reality.
8) They always want something in return
Did you know that according to Psychology Today, one of the main characteristics of manipulative people is that they often expect something in return for their help or kindness? Yes, with manipulators, nothing is given for free.
You may find it strange when the person who is “helping” you always expects a favor in return. They make you feel like you owe them, which creates a feeling of obligation. This way, they can control what you do and when you do it.
9) They always change the subject
I once had a coworker who was a pro at changing the subject.
Every time I tried to discuss something important, especially if it was a problem or something he didn’t want to talk about, he would cleverly steer the conversation in a different direction. It was like trying to catch a fish with your bare hands – slippery and frustrating!
This is another tactic manipulators use to avoid accountability or uncomfortable topics. They avoid difficult conversations and divert your attention to something else. This way, they maintain control of the situation and avoid any blame or negative consequences.
When you notice someone constantly distorting the topic, especially in serious situations, it may indicate manipulation.
10) They always “one-up” you.
We all know that person who always has a story or experience that’s a little better (or worse) than yours.
Got a new job? They got a better one. Are you having a tough week? It was a nightmare for them. It’s exhausting. This one-upmanship is another way manipulators maintain control.
It makes you feel like your experiences, whether good or bad, are never enough. Don’t fall for it; Your experiences and feelings are valid, no matter what anyone else says.
11) They use the silent treatment as a weapon
Have you ever been cold to someone when you didn’t agree with them or do what they wanted?
This is the silent treatment, and manipulators use it as a weapon. It’s their way of punishing you, making you feel guilty and forcing you to give in to their demands just to end the uncomfortable silence.
12) They’re so charming…at first
Manipulators can be incredibly charming, but it is a means to an end.
They use their charm to attract you, gain your trust, and make you let your guard down. But once they get what they want, their magic often fades, and their true colors begin to show.
Be careful with people who exaggerate your charm or flatter you excessively from the beginning – this may be a sign of manipulation.
Don’t forget that recognizing these signs is the first step to protecting yourself from manipulation. Trust your gut feelings and don’t allow anyone to control or take advantage of you.
