We live in a society with all kinds of people, friendly, over-friendly and self-obsessed. There are some people who are only looking for their self-interest and will try to manipulate you for their own interests.
Here are some traits to watch out for.
- EXUDING CHARM- A person who secretly manipulates is extremely charming. They will shower you with love, attention and gifts to win your trust and friendship, only to manipulate you later.
- CONSTANT FLATTERY- Manipulators have a habit of showering others with praise and compliments. They boost your ego, put you on a pedestal and gain your trust.
- PLAY THE VICTIM- Anyone who is sharing too much personal information, more than what needs to be, and trying to gain sympathy from you, needs to be watched out for.
- SELECTIVE HONESTY- Certain people do tell the truth but without crucial information. They choose carefully what to reveal, what to conceal. If this happens often, watch out.
- SUBTLE AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR- People often use backhanded compliments when they want to assert their power. An example- “I didn’t expect you to get the job- Congratulations!’. This is a compliment along with a statement that puts a doubt in the other person’s mind and he will seek validation outside.
- GOSSIPING ABOUT YOU- Manipulators love to talk, make up stories, divulge too much information. This can often turn others against you.
- GASLIGHTING- This happens when you trust someone and you are likely to believe them without questioning. It’s a psychological abuse, a tactic to manipulate.
Be vigilant pf the people you deal with, set boundaries and nurture the genuine bonds.
