TOXIC MANIPULATION TACTICS

RECOGNIZING AND RESISTING TOXIC MANIPULATION TACTICS

Manipulation is the practice of controlling someone’s behavior for your own benefits. If a person is in a healthy relationship, it should involve compromise, clear communication, and mutual respect. However, toxic people use manipulative tactics to manipulate and control others, without their awareness. In this article, we will understand some common manipulation tactics used by toxic/controlling people and see how to recognize and resist them.

GASLIGHTING

Gaslighting is a manipulation tactic that involves denying or questioning someone’s memory. Toxic people use gaslighting for making the victims question their sanity or beliefs, to easily control the victim. This can often result in feelings of confusion, insecurity and low self-esteem.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT?

• This person denies your memories or experiences and confuses you.
• The person questions your school of thoughts and beliefs.
• The person insists that you have misunderstood them.

HOW TO RESIST IT?

• Keep a track of things that happen, for example notes or emails. So that you can refer to them later if the person denies them.
• Seek support from loved ones or a therapist who will be able to provide an objective view of the situation.
• Set boundaries with the person to limit the gaslighting.

LOVE BOMBING

Love bombing is a manipulative tactic that involves showering a person with excessive love and attention. Toxic people use this tactic to make the victims feel special and loved, to gain their trust and dependence. However, it is used insincerely. And the toxic person’s affection disappears once they have gained control.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT?

• The person displays affection and admiration towards you.
• The person may want to spend all their time with you or communicate with you constantly.
• The person may make grand romantic gestures early on in the relationship and then starts giving bare minimum or maybe less than that.

HOW TO RESIST IT?

• Take things slowly and avoid getting caught up in the drama.
• Listen to your instincts and be careful of someone who is hasty in friendships and relationships.
• Set boundaries with the person and make sure they respect your need for privacy and space.

TRIANGULATION

Triangulation is a manipulative tactic that involves a third person in an argument or a fight to get you to take their side. The toxic person will often make that third person the “PROBLEM” and try to get you to choose them over the third person.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT?

• The person always talks negatively about the third party and involves you in the conflict that is not even related to you.
• The person insists that you choose sides and be involved in the situation.
• The person may exaggerate the third party’s behavior to make them seem more negative than they are.

HOW TO RESIST IT?

• Recognize and understand that you are being manipulated and avoid getting involved in the conflict.
• Have an unbiased point of view and look at the situation objectively.
• Set strong boundaries with the person and express that you do not wish to be involved in their conflicts.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Toxic people often use these manipulation tactics to control the people they like and those around them. By recognizing these tactics and taking steps towards resisting them, you can avoid being trapped by them. Remember to set clear boundaries and seek support while dealing with manipulators. Healthy relationships are built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect. So do not be afraid to walk away from those who use manipulative tactics to manipulate and control you.