Deceive, ignore, etc.
3 strategies used by people who manipulate others
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Some people are much better at the art of deception than others. And some use this to their advantage – leaving those affected in the shards of their work. We have collected three strategies for you that they use.
Manipulation is on a spectrum and some strategies are more serious than others. And such tactics are often used subconsciously, but sometimes with the intention of manipulating. Manipulative personalities can make another person feel guilty or unloved. They are often masters at isolating people, belittling them, reducing their self-worth or exploiting them in order to get rid of their own responsibility. There are an incredible number of manipulative methods that lead to a wide variety of results. And often there is a dependency of the person being manipulated at play – for example in a romantic relationship or an employment relationship. Knowledge and understanding of the tactics can help both us and others protect or defend ourselves. We have summarized three of the many possible strategies for you.
Strategies of manipulative people
Excessive affection
Build up time pressure where there is none
To force a decision, pressure is applied by the manipulative person. A drastic example: Person A wants a house, children, an exemplary family life – as quickly as possible. Person B isn’t sure if it’s the right time to start all this. There is a lot to consider that Person A doesn’t want to see. In order to get the desired reaction, A now starts looking for properties. He:she suggests properties and raves about houses that he:she has viewed. But there are other interested parties – you have to decide, otherwise the house is gone. And yes, it all looks pretty nice with the photos and the description, the area is quiet, the house is big and he:she wants it so much. Person B agrees, only to later discover that the heating is outdated, as is the insulation of the windows – and that a lot more money and work is needed than A previously claimed. But now they are already in the boat together, especially if B was involved financially.
Ignore communication
So-called “silent treatment” is a form of emotional abuse. Translated it means something like “silent treatment”. By remaining silent, the person wants to maintain control over the situation. It is often a form of punishment for something the other person has done wrong in their eyes, a passive-aggressive behavior. It often takes place in relationships and is used to convey feelings of guilt or aloneness. According to the motto: “If you say something like that, you are on your own in this relationship, that is entirely your problem and your mistake. I won’t say anything about it.”
Sources used: psychcentral.com, psychologymieuxetre.ca, chettiarcounselling.ca