List of Emotional Manipulation Tactics

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There are many ways to manipulate someone emotionally. It can be a very subtle and dangerous game.

What Is Manipulation?

Manipulation is a type of social influence that aims to change the behavior or perception of others through indirect, deceptive, or underhanded tactics. By contrast, coercion is a form of social influence that involves the use of threat or force to achieve compliance. Manipulation is a popular technique used in politics, marketing, and relationships, among other areas. It can influence people’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior for the manipulator’s benefit. Some forms of manipulation are less obvious than others and can be hard to spot.

For instance, someone who flatters you or tells you what you want to hear to get what they want from you is manipulating you. While manipulation can be done for personal gain, it can also be employed for the greater good. For example, convincing someone to vote or donate to a worthy cause is positive manipulation. Ultimately, whether manipulation is considered good or bad depends on the motives of the person carrying out the act and its effect on the victim.

List of Emotional Manipulation Tactics

The Silent Treatment

The silent treatment is a passive-aggressive form of communication in which one person deliberately ignores another person to punish them or expressed displeasure. The silent treatment is often used as a control mechanism. It can be an effective way of getting someone to do what you want, such as getting them to apologize for something they did wrong.

However, it can also be a form of emotional manipulation that can damage relationships. When someone is constantly subjected to silent treatment, it can take a toll on their mental health and well-being. The silent treatment can cause isolation, anxiety, and low self-esteem. If you find yourself on the receiving end of the silent treatment, you must reach out to your friends and family for support. You should also try to communicate with the person giving you the silent treatment to resolve the situation.

Smothering

Smothering is a form of emotional manipulation that is often used in relationships. It involves one person trying to control the other by constantly seeking their attention and approval. This can make the other person feel suffocated and trapped, causing them to distance themselves from the smotherer. In some cases, smothering can even lead to physical abuse. It is important to set boundaries and assert independence if someone smothers you. Otherwise, you may end up in a much worse situation than simply feeling suffocated.

Playing the Victim

It’s easy to fall into the trap of playing the victim. It can be tempting to shoulder all the blame when something goes wrong and wallow in self-pity. However, this emotional manipulation tactic is often employed by manipulative individuals looking to control the situation.

They can deflect any culpability by placing all the blame on themselves and painting themselves as victims. This also allows them to garner sympathy from those around them. While it may be difficult, resisting the urge to play the victim is important. Own up your mistakes and learn from them. It’s the only way to maintain control of your life and relationships.

Guilting

Guilting is a common emotional manipulation tactic used to control and influence others. By making someone feel guilty, the manipulator can get them to do what they want or make them feel obligated to comply with their demands. Guilting can be an effective way to get someone to do something they don’t want to, but it is also very manipulative and controlling. If someone is guilting you, it’s important to stand up for yourself and set boundaries.

Don’t let yourself be controlled by guilt – it’s not healthy or helpful. If you’re in a relationship with someone who frequently uses guilt as manipulation, it’s time to have a serious conversation about boundary-setting and respect. Guilting is an emotional manipulation tactic that has no place in a healthy, supportive relationship.

Coercion 

Coercion is a form of emotional manipulation often used to get someone to do something they wouldn’t normally do. It involves making someone feel like they have no choice but to comply with your demands. Often, coercion is used in situations where there is a power imbalance, and the person doing the coercing has more power than the person they are coercing. This can make it very difficult for the victim to resist.

Coercion can take many forms, but all involve using some form of pressure to get someone to do something against their will. If you are being coerced, it is important to remember that you have the right to say no and are not obligated to do anything you don’t want to do. Coercion is an emotional manipulation tactic and should not be tolerated. If you are being coerced, reach out for help from a friend or family member who can support you and help you resist the pressure you are under.

Threats

Every relationship has its ups and downs, but sometimes those downs can be more destructive than constructive. One toxic tactic that can quickly destroy a relationship is emotional manipulation through threats. When one partner threatens the other with ultimatums or violence, it creates an environment of fear and mistrust.

Not only does this damage the relationship, but it can also have a lasting impact on both partners’ mental and emotional health. If you find yourself in a relationship where threats are being used, you must seek help. Whether you seek professional counseling or talk to a trusted friend or family member, getting support can make all the difference in healing your relationship and moving forward healthily.

Shaming 

Shaming is an emotional manipulation tactic often used to control or punish someone. It involves making the person feel bad about themselves to get them to do what you want. This can be done through words or actions directed at individuals or groups. Shaming is a potent tool, making people feel guilty, embarrassed, and worthless.

Unfortunately, it is also a prevalent tactic, especially in relationships where one person has more power than another. If someone shames you, it is important to remember that it is not your fault and that you are not alone. There are many ways to cope with shame, and you deserve to be treated with respect.

Lying 

When someone lies, they deliberately try to control how you feel. They hope you will believe their fiction and react as they want you to. This is why lying is often seen as a form of emotional manipulation. The liar is trying to influence your emotions to achieve their goals by telling you something that isn’t true. This can be very harmful, as it can distort your view of reality and prevent you from making sound decisions. If you suspect someone is lying, you must consider your gut instinct and question what they say. Only by seeing the truth can you ensure you are not being manipulated.

Gaslighting 

Gaslighting is a form of emotional manipulation designed to make you question your sanity. It is a very subtle form of control, but it can be extremely effective. Gaslighting can be done in many different ways, but the goal is always the same: to make you doubt yourself and your perception of reality.

If you think you might be a victim of gaslighting, you must reach out for help. This tactic can be tough to identify and even harder to deal with. Talking to a trusted friend, or family member can help you sort out your thoughts and start to see the situation more clearly. If you are still confused or uncertain, seeking professional counseling can be valuable in regaining control of your life.

Character Assassination 

Character assassination is a form of emotional manipulation designed to damage your reputation. This can be done in many different ways, but the goal is always the same: to make other people see you in a negative light. Character assassination can be done through rumors, gossip, and even outright lies. It is a very hurtful tactic and can be challenging to recover from.

If you think you might be a victim of character assassination, it is important to reach out for help. This tactic can be very damaging, and you will need all the support you can get to recover. Whether you seek professional counseling or talk to a trusted friend or family member, getting help can make all the difference in healing the damage that has been done.

Triangulation

Triangulation is a form of emotional manipulation that involves using other people to control you. This can be done in many different ways, but the goal is always the same: to make you feel jealous, insecure, and worried that you are not good enough. Triangulation can turn friends and family members against each other, and it can even be used to pit you against other people. This is a very harmful tactic, as it can damage relationships and create feelings of distrust and insecurity.

If you think you might be a victim of triangulation, you must seek help. This tactic can be tough to deal with on your own, and you will need all the support you can get. Whether you seek professional counseling or talk to a trusted friend or family member, getting help can make all the difference in dealing with this challenging situation.

Undermining

Undermining is a form of emotional manipulation designed to make you feel unworthy and incompetent. This can be done in many ways, but the goal is always to make you doubt yourself and your abilities. Undermining can be done through criticism, sarcasm, and even outright insults. It is a very hurtful tactic and can be challenging to recover from.

If you think you might be a victim of undermining, you must reach out for help. This tactic can be very damaging, and you will need all the support you can get to recover. Whether you seek professional counseling or talk to a trusted friend or family member, getting help can make all the difference in dealing with this challenging situation.

Withholding 

Withholding is a form of emotional manipulation designed to make you feel dependent and needy. This can be done in many different ways, but the goal is always the same: to make you feel like you need the other person to be happy or fulfilled. Withholding can be done through withholding affection, attention, or even money. It is a very hurtful tactic and can be challenging to recover from.

If you think you might be a victim of withholding, you must seek help. This tactic can be very damaging, and you will need all the support you can get to recover. Whether you seek professional counseling or talk to a trusted friend or family member, getting help can make all the difference in dealing with this challenging situation.

The “Freeze-Out”

The “freeze-out” is a form of emotional manipulation designed to make you feel isolated and alone. This can be done in many different ways, but the goal is always the same: to make you feel unimportant and that you do not matter. The “freeze-out” can be done by ignoring you, not talking to you, or even excluding you from social events. It is a very hurtful tactic and can be challenging to recover from.

If you think you might be a victim of the “freeze-out,” it is important to reach out for help. This tactic can be very damaging, and you will need all the support you can get to recover. Whether you seek professional counseling or talk to a trusted friend or family member, getting help can make all the difference in dealing with this challenging situation.

Forgetting/Denial 

A denial is a form of deception and an act of self-preservation. It allows a person to avoid facing a painful reality. It can also be used to manipulate others by creating confusion and doubt. For example, a person facing foreclosure may deny they are in financial trouble. This allows them to maintain their pride and avoid the shame of admitting that they are struggling. It also puts pressure on the people around them to offer help.

In some cases, denial can gaslight someone into questioning their memories and perceptions. For instance, a person caught cheating may deny that it happened, even in the face of evidence. This can make the victim feel crazy and doubt their own experiences. Denial is a harmful tactic that can be used to control and manipulate others.

Ordering/Bossing 

When someone constantly orders others around or bosses them, it can be seen as an emotional manipulation tactic. This is because the person is likely trying to control the situation and make others feel powerless. In some cases, it may be a way to compensate for their feelings of insecurity or inadequacy. It can also be a passive-aggressive behavior, as the person may not express their needs directly. Setting boundaries and communicating assertively is essential if you find yourself on the receiving end of this behavior. Otherwise, you may feel like you’re walking on eggshells around the other person.

Abusive Anger

Abusive anger is a form of emotional manipulation designed to scare, intimidate, and control the other person. It is not about resolving conflict or communicating effectively. Instead, it is about using fear and aggression to get the person’s wants. This can be done through yelling, threats, name-calling, and even physical violence. If you are on the receiving end of this behaviour, getting help is important. This is not a healthy way to communicate, and it can lead to further violence and abuse.

Conclusion

Though they are frequently used, these emotional manipulation tactics can be harmful. If you find yourself on the receiving end of such treatment, it is important to remember that you are not alone and that there are people who care about you and want to help. Many resources are also available to help you regain your sense of self-control and power. Never hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.