17 Warning Signs of a Manipulator

17 Warning Signs of a Manipulator

We've all encountered manipulators at least once in our lives. Some of us may unknowingly remain under the influence of such people for years. It is difficult to recognize a manipulator because they often operate covertly. Manipulation is a crime that leaves no trace, but no form of human behavior is completely incomprehensible or unpredictable.

Here are some early warning signs that may help you spot a manipulator in your life:

1. Charm and Kindness: A manipulator may use their charm to gain power or sexual favors. Manipulators are ruthless and don't hesitate to harm others. If someone seems overly charming to you, consider what they might want from you.
2. Denial: Manipulators are experts at lying and denial. If someone is hurting you and denying their bad behavior, be cautious.
3. Lies: Lying is a manipulator's strongest weapon. They have a weak conscience and do not feel guilty about lying.
4. Generosity with Gifts and Services: At the beginning of a relationship, a manipulator may shower you with expensive gifts and favors. However, they later use these as bribes to extract greater favors from you.
5. Excessive Attention and Flattery: Manipulators often try to win you over with excessive and inappropriate compliments. It's important to consider what's behind such flattery.
6. Forced Togetherness: Manipulators use the word "we" to create a sense of unity that doesn't actually exist. This is a way to manipulate you.
7. Good First Impressions: Master manipulators often make a great first impression. However, their true intentions become apparent over time.
8. Playing the Victim: Manipulators may portray themselves as victims to gain the sympathy of those around them. It’s crucial to observe the difference between genuine victims and manipulators.
9. Silent Treatment: Manipulators may use the silent treatment to punish you and make you feel worthless.
10. Appearing Selfless: Manipulators may appear selfless and helpful to hide their true intentions.
11. Guilt Tripping: Manipulators try to gain control over you by making you feel guilty.
12. Shaming: Someone who frequently makes belittling and derogatory comments could be a manipulative friend. These behaviors are tactics used by manipulators to make you feel weak.
13. Threats and Intimidation: Manipulators often use subtle threats. Pay attention to their nonverbal gestures if they make you uncomfortable.
14. Distorting Reality (Gaslighting): Manipulators distort reality to suit their own interests, making you question your perceptions.
15. Rationalization: A manipulative person may make excuses to justify their harmful behavior.
16. Changing the Subject: When you try to keep a discussion focused on a particular topic, manipulators often change the subject to divert you from what you should be focusing on.
17. Disturbing Looks: Manipulators may have a disturbing look in their eyes. These looks can conceal their true intentions.

These signs can help you recognize when you’re dealing with a manipulator and allow you to identify them earlier.