Top 6 signs that the interlocutor is trying to manipulate you

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We encounter manipulation every day. People try to control us secretly from the TV screen, in the store, at work, even in the family. Sometimes it is done so skillfully that it is very difficult to notice the psychological impact. Nevertheless, there are 6 sure signs by which you can identify a manipulator.

Manipulators love to devalue and embarrass other people. Photo by Marcelo Chagas from Pexels, used under a Creative Commons license

Unpredictability

The manipulator deliberately does what is not expected of him, in order to put others in an awkward position. In such a state, people are maximally vulnerable, and it is easier to instill in them what is desired. A person can suddenly change plans, postpone meetings, refuse agreements. He forces others to adapt , leaving the last word for himself.

Devaluation

The typical position of a manipulator sounds like: "There is my opinion and the wrong one." Your views, tastes, hobbies - every aspect will be criticized, you will be wrong in everything, and all achievements will be devalued.

Hit where it hurts

Knowing your opponent's weak points is the manipulator's best weapon. He will expose all your complexes, remind you of all your fears with the sole purpose of making you lose your temper . As soon as you lose your moral balance, you will lose.

Distortion of facts

A goodmanipulator knows how to juggle facts , which confuses the interlocutor. He will stubbornly prove that everything was completely different: you agreed to meet at another time, he did not promise to do the work today, etc. And how does he manage to do this? It seems like he said it right, but in the end everything turned out the other way around.

Shifting the blame

The manipulator is not to blame for all of his mistakes . If he is late for a meeting, it is because you did not inform him about it in time. If he does a bad job, it is your fault because you set the task incorrectly.

"Talk"

A technique typical of salespeople: they dump a ton of information on the interlocutor, ask dozens of questions, demanding an immediate answer. Leaving no time for reflection, the manipulator increases the likelihood of agreement.

When was the last time you noticed that you were being manipulated? Share in the comments!