There’s a fine line between influence and manipulation. Manipulation, unlike influence, is all about control and selfish intent.
When you finally see through a master manipulator’s game, their tactics often take a surprising turn.
In this article, we’ll be shedding light on the seven common behaviors that manipulators resort to when they realize their influence over you is dwindling.
These insights will empower you to stand your ground against manipulative individuals.
Let’s get started.
1) They play the victim card
We’ve all known people who seem to have a knack for making themselves the victim, no matter the circumstance.
Master manipulators are adept at this game. When they sense you pulling away, they might attempt to gain your sympathy by portraying themselves as the hapless victim.
Suddenly, all their wrongdoings are transformed into misfortunes that happened to them. They may share sob stories, express self-pity, or even feign illness to regain your attention and sympathy.
Be on guard for this tactic. It’s a manipulator’s desperate attempt to reestablish control and ensure you stay within their sphere of influence.
It’s not your responsibility to fix someone else’s life, especially if they have a history of manipulating you for their own gain.
2) They resort to guilt-tripping
Guilt is a powerful emotion, and manipulators know just how to use it in their favor.
Once they realize they can no longer use you, they might try to make you feel guilty about your decision to break free from their control.
I remember a time when I chose to distance myself from a friend who was always manipulating me for personal gain. As soon as she noticed my withdrawal, she instantly started guilt-tripping me. She would say things like, “After all I’ve done for you, this is how you repay me?” or “I thought we were friends.”
It was hard not to be swayed by her words. But I knew that falling for the guilt trip would only put me back in the cycle of manipulation.
Navigating such situations can be tricky. It’s essential to remember that you are not obligated to sacrifice your well-being for someone else’s selfish motives, regardless of any past interactions or relationships.
3) They switch to charm offensive
Master manipulators are often skilled in the art of charming people. When they realize their influence over you is waning, they might turn up their charm to win you back.
Suddenly, they’ll shower you with compliments, flatter you, or show an unusual amount of interest in your life. It’s their way of trying to make you feel special and valuable, but it’s merely a façade.
In a study conducted by the University of Amsterdam, researchers found that people with manipulative tendencies often use charm and flattery as a strategy to achieve their goals.
If a known manipulator suddenly starts acting overly nice towards you, remember it might just be another one of their tactics to regain control. Stay alert and don’t let their charm cloud your judgment.
4) They try to discredit you
When manipulators feel threatened, they can often resort to discrediting those who stand up to them.
If you’ve decided that you no longer wish to be used by a manipulator, they might attempt to undermine your credibility or reputation. This could involve spreading rumors, challenging your decisions or abilities, or making you look bad in front of others.
The aim is to make others doubt you, and in turn, make you doubt yourself. It’s crucial during these times to remain confident in your convictions and not let their attempts at character assassination sway you.
Staying strong despite a manipulator’s efforts to discredit you is a testament to your resilience and determination to break free from their control.
5) They give you the silent treatment
The silent treatment is a manipulative tactic that’s as subtle as it is damaging.
When a manipulator senses their control slipping, they might resort to going quiet, ignoring you or refusing to engage in conversation. The aim is to make you feel anxious, guilty or desperate enough to reach out and thus, fall back under their influence.
I’ve been on the receiving end of the silent treatment from a manipulator. It was one of the most challenging times of my life. The uncertainty, the self-doubt, and the constant worrying took a toll on me.
But I learned that it’s crucial to remember that nobody has the right to manipulate your emotions like this. If someone gives you the silent treatment, it’s more about their inability to communicate effectively than about your worth or actions.
6) They resort to threats
When manipulators sense their control is slipping, they might resort to making threats.
These threats can take different forms. They might threaten to harm themselves, to ruin your reputation, or to take away something important to you. The aim is to instill fear and make you feel like you have no choice but to comply with their demands.
While these threats can be frightening, it’s essential to remember that this is just another tactic in the manipulator’s arsenal. Do not let fear force you back into a manipulative situation. Instead, consider seeking support from trusted friends, family members, or professionals.
7) They try to make you doubt your decision
The ultimate weapon in a manipulator’s arsenal is doubt. When they realize they can no longer use you, they might try to sow seeds of doubt in your mind about your decision to break free.
They’ll question your choices, bring up old memories, and do anything to make you second-guess yourself. The goal is to make you believe that you are overreacting or misunderstanding the situation.
But don’t be swayed. Trust in your judgment and the decisions you’ve made for your well-being. You know better than anyone else what’s best for you. Stay firm, trust your instincts, and don’t let a manipulator shake your resolve.
Final thoughts: Empowerment is the key
Understanding the tactics of master manipulators is about more than just gaining insight into their devious tactics. It’s about empowerment.
Being aware of these manipulative behaviors arms you with the knowledge to guard yourself against their ploys. It helps you stand strong in your decisions and reinforces your determination to take control of your own life.
A quote by George Bernard Shaw resonates perfectly with this theme, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
It’s important to remember that authentic communication and relationships are based on respect, honesty, and mutual understanding – qualities that are often missing in a manipulator’s interactions.
As you navigate through life, keep these insights in mind. They act as your shield against manipulation, ensuring that you remain true to yourself and your values. Remember, nobody should hold the power to manipulate your emotions or decisions. You are the sole author of your life’s story.
So, stay strong, stay informed, and most importantly, stay true to yourself.
