Do you know the art of using someone just to get what you want? It’s called manipulation.
Manipulative people have a way of hiding their true intentions and they are pretty good at it. Manipulators lurk around every corner in our lives, which is why it’s important to recognize them and prevent them from ruining our lives. Here’s a list of things you should know about these people:
1. They are impatient and short-tempered.
God forbid you are not dancing to the music they are playing. Manipulators want to get the things they want and they want to get them fast.
They get irritated when things are not going according to their plan, so they become impatient or lose their temper by snapping at you. It’s then when you get to see their true face, but they will soon cover it, not by apologizing, but by saying that they’ve had a rough day, which to them is equivalent to an apology.
2. They make you feel guilty.
Manipulators just can’t accept being accused of anything. They will blame you for things that aren’t your fault. If they are feeling sad or disappointed, they’ll pin the blame for that on you.
However, if you are unsure about what you did wrong, then it’s only because you didn’t do anything. That’s just manipulators being subversive. That’s how they make you believe they are more invested in the relationship than you are.
Once they make you feel guilty, you start overcompensating because you think what you are doing is not enough.
3. They are dismissive.
They bond with people easily and build relationships in a rather fast manner. They do this because it enables them to make use of those people as soon as possible.
Once they recognize they can’t take advantage of someone, they detach themselves and are even able to end and forget friendships or relationships in the blink of an eye.
4. They make you doubt and feel insecure about yourself.
Manipulators play on your insecurities. First, they will learn what your insecurities are and then they will use them against you. They will tell you what you need help with or what changes you need to make in your life, constantly claiming that they only want the best for you.
In no time, you’ll find yourself depending on them and asking them for advice about every single thing you do. Once they take control of your life, they can start using you and you won’t notice this because they have tricked you into believing they’re your support, your go-to person that you can trust blindly.
5. They make you believe that what they want is what you want.
If you catch yourself doing only what your friend or partner likes doing, chances are you are dealing with a manipulator. Ask yourself this: How much have you given up in order to please that person?
Manipulators have a way of slyly convincing people that their wants and needs are other people’s wants and needs too.
6. They make you feel like you’re a bad person.
If you say no to something, they will make you feel like you are a bad person and they will go as far as saying that they are disappointed in you and that they didn’t think you were such a cruel person before getting into a relationship with you.
7. They thrive on ultimatums.
If you loved me as you say, you would do this for me. If you really were my best friend, you’d stop hanging out with them because you know they make me feel uncomfortable. Sounds familiar?
