We have all dealt with manipulative people at least once in our life. However, it is crucial to stand your ground and outsmart a master manipulator and their whims and fancies.
Master manipulators come unexpected and unannounced, trying to capture you in their traps—and repelling them is never easy, especially if you are unaware of the tips and tricks of dealing with them.
As humans—it is true that—we want every situation to be in our favor. But is manipulation a desirable approach? NEVER!
Any form of manipulation is wrong, and people with good intentions do not play mind games with others to achieve their ulterior motives. Let us explore some smart ways to throw down a master manipulator.
A seasoned manipulator knows all the best techniques to enrage people and compel them to change their minds or influence their decisions.
The master manipulator always tries to persuade their victim to make quicker decisions—meaning, if they play the right cards, the person they are trying to manipulate will surrender to them.
Therefore, when dealing with a shrewd manipulator—you must carefully evaluate your decisions and responses. But if you are unsure about how to respond, remove yourself from that situation or discussion.
When dealing with a skilled manipulator, do not allow your emotions to influence your decisions.
Manipulation works on people who want to be manipulated. Often fear, greed, desire, and envy can capture a person into a manipulator’s trap.
A manipulator prospers when they can access your weaknesses and emotions and work with them. However, if you resist their attempts and offer nothing, their power weakens. Stay calm when they try to wind you up or frustrate you. If they employ harsh words to tap into your insecurities or hurt you, give them a cold stare.
A manipulator never expects his victim to be familiar with the manipulation playbook. If they realize that you know the basics—chances are—they will feel defeated in their own game. They find joy in manipulating those who can easily be tricked and trapped.
Of course, there is always a possibility that the manipulator will still try to gaslight you into believing that you are the manipulator and not them. Don’t cave in—stand your ground.
If you are engaged in a heated argument with a master manipulator, you can never win. A manipulator always finds his way—unless you try the fogging technique.
This technique can help terminate a squabble with an aggressive manipulator. The fogging approach advocates that one must give calm responses even when the other person is being aggressive or critical of them. By not getting provoked and responding the way the manipulator expects (which would be argumentative or defensive), you can cease confrontation with the aggressor. The idea is brilliant, isn’t it?
If none of the aforementioned tips and tricks work, you should consider using the last effective solution—and that is—to leave the conversation as soon as you can. This approach may seem impolite, but if the discussion you are engaged in is unproductive, the outcome of the interaction will be futile and might even escalate further.
So, the next time a master manipulator tries to employ their best tricks to wrap you around their finger, try these techniques to frustrate all their attempts.
