Many of us know that feeling of being manipulated. Emotional influence can be a powerful tool, and some people actively use it.
Liked Video gathered a list of 8 signs to help you recognize an emotional manipulator’s trap.
Emotional manipulators are incredibly talented liars. They insist on not having done something when you saw them doing it, or they state they said something when you know they didn’t. The worst thing is, they lie so well you start doubting your own judgment. Insisting that all the trouble is only in your head is their favorite way to avoid it.
Emotional manipulators tell you what you want to hear, yet their actions are quite a different story. They claim they’ll always help you, but when the time comes to do just that, they pretend your requests aren’t reasonable.
Emotional manipulators use your feeling of guilt for their own benefit. When sharing your troubles with them you feel guilty for bothering them, while not sharing will gnaw at you for keeping secrets from them. Manipulators make you feel that everything you do is wrong, and all your troubles are your own fault.
Emotional manipulators are never to blame for anything. Whatever they do wrong is always someone else’s fault (probably yours). If you’re angry or upset, it’s your unreasonable expectations; if the manipulator is upset, it’s you who did it to them. Emotional manipulators never accept responsibility.
Regardless of whether it’s business or a personal matter, manipulators always hurry to get ahead. They share important news too quickly and expect the same of you. They act vulnerable and sensitive, yet it’s a setup for you to feel special and close to them. You start feeling bad for the manipulator and, as a result, take responsibility for their emotional state.
Their initial desire to help rapidly turns into sighs, moans, and complaints of excess workload. The aim of this is to make you feel indebted to the manipulator.
Whatever troubles you share with a manipulator, they will always say they’ve got it worse. They never forget to remind you that their troubles are far greater than yours, so you’ve no reason to complain.
If you worry about your figure, they’ll always make a remark about what you eat or wear. If you’re anxious about an upcoming presentation, they’ll try to scare you even more. Manipulators read your emotions easily, yet they only use this skill to control you without helping you feel better.
Emotional manipulators can drive you mad with their irrational behavior. Don’t attempt to win at their game. Just keep your emotional distance, and never let yourself fall into their traps.
