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With Love Moni

Discovering Life Through Freestyle Writing

Unmasking the 5 Most Sinister Manipulation Techniques: Are You a Target?

August 13, 2023 by Moni 69 Comments

https://www.withlovemoni.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Have_you_ever_felt_l_567.mp3

Have you ever felt like someone is controlling your, making you do things you wouldn’t normally do? Manipulation can be a fearsome experience, especially when you’re unaware that it’s happening. Most of us in some way or other had become a prey of a manipulator. Today we have 5 most common manipulation techniques that are used.

The Reciprocity Principle

“Give and You Shall Receive” is one of the most commonly used manipulation techniques is the Reciprocity Principle. Manipulators often start by doing something nice for you, creating a sense of indebtedness. They then use this to their advantage by asking for something in return, often much larger than the original favor.

False Dilemma

“Choose the Lesser Evil” The False Dilemma technique forces you into a corner by presenting you with only two options, both of which are undesirable. By limiting your choices, manipulators can steer you towards the option that benefits them the most, making you feel as if it’s the only logical decision.

Guilt Tripping

“It’s All Your Fault” Guilt Tripping is a psychological manipulation technique that preys on your sense of responsibility and empathy. Manipulators use guilt as a weapon, blaming you for their problems or making you feel guilty for not meeting their expectations. This emotional pressure can be suffocating and often leads to compliance out of guilt.

NLP Manipulation

“The Power of Words” Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Manipulation is a technique that leverages the power of language and communication to influence your thoughts and behavior. Manipulators use specific linguistic patterns, subtle cues, and hypnosis techniques to bypass your conscious mind and shape your unconscious responses.

Example: Consider a persuasive speaker who uses hypnotic language patterns and subtle gestures to captivate and influence an audience. Without realizing it, you find yourself nodding along and agreeing with their ideas, even if they contradict your own beliefs.

Gaslighting

“Am I Going Crazy?” Gaslighting is a chilling form of psychological manipulation aimed at making you question your own reality. Manipulators deny or distort facts, twist the truth, and sow seeds of doubt, leaving you confused, disoriented, and questioning your own sanity. It can be an incredibly destructive technique, eroding your self-confidence and independence.


 

Manipulation techniques can be terrifying, especially when they are used on you without your knowledge. By understanding these tactics and recognizing their presence, you can protect yourself from falling victim to manipulators. Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and empower yourself with knowledge to break free from the grips of psychological manipulation. Remember, awareness is the first step towards liberation.

 

Related: Exploring Alter Egos

 

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Filed Under: Mental Health Tagged With: dark psychology, manipulation tactics, manipulation techniques, mind control, psychological manipulation

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ella English says

    August 13, 2023 at 3:24 am

    Yes I was married to someone who gaslit and manipulated me. Luckily I am now divorced!

    Reply
  2. LisaLisa says

    August 13, 2023 at 10:50 am

    Being sinisterly manipulated can shatter a person”s self confidence, but knowing the signs before, during, and after can always aid in a person’s rebuilding themselves while tackling the issue. It’s important to share these things.

    Reply
  3. Lani says

    August 13, 2023 at 1:50 pm

    Glad to have read this post. Some people are so skilled at manipulation you don’t even realize what’s going on. Thanks for the tips

    Reply
  4. Anita Fonte says

    August 13, 2023 at 7:07 pm

    I know all these too well growing up with parents that did this. As well as on the news. I now do things for me and if you would like me to do things for you that cannot be used against me anymore.

    Reply
  5. vidya says

    August 13, 2023 at 8:54 pm

    Arming ourselves with this knowledge can be so very useful, so thanks for pointing out all these different ways people can manipulate others.

    Reply
  6. Brittney says

    August 14, 2023 at 8:01 am

    So interesting the different forms of manipulation. I personally hate gaslighting. Thanks so much for this info so I can recognize manipulation techniques.

    Reply
  7. SONIA SEIVWRIGHT says

    August 14, 2023 at 3:30 pm

    Thank you for sharing this insightful article on manipulation techniques. We must be aware of these tactics and recognize when they are being used against us. We can protect ourselves from falling prey to manipulators by staying vigilant and trusting our instincts. Empowering ourselves with knowledge is critical to breaking free from psychological manipulation. Thank you for shedding light on this critical topic.

    Reply
  8. Richard Lowe says

    August 14, 2023 at 3:44 pm

    All these describe the techniques used by a narcissist to control their victim.

    Reply
  9. SiennyLovesDrawing says

    August 14, 2023 at 4:03 pm

    Ohh wow…. didn’t aware that many manipulation techniques used , thanks for sharing the details of each. Really learnt them all know. Thanks .cheers SiennyLovesDrawing

    Reply
  10. Amber Myers says

    August 15, 2023 at 3:56 am

    These are important to keep in mind. I know I’d never allow myself to be manipulated now but I might have been easier to get when I was younger.

    Reply
  11. Tara Pittman says

    August 15, 2023 at 4:06 am

    These Manipulation techniques are eye-opening to me. I will be more aware of them.

    Reply
  12. Kathy says

    August 15, 2023 at 5:00 am

    This is such an interesting post. Manipulation is so horrible. I honestly can’t stand it when others do this.

    Reply
  13. Stephanie says

    August 15, 2023 at 7:09 am

    I never thought about these as being manipulative, but it makes so much sense. It also makes me more aware to make sure I’m not doing the same thing, especially to my children.

    Reply
  14. Rosey says

    August 15, 2023 at 12:45 pm

    I hate when someone does something genuinely nice for me that I don’t want them to do it. It does feel like I owe them when I don’t want to. Intentions are not always good, even if the deed is.

    Reply
  15. Ramil Hinolan says

    August 15, 2023 at 1:51 pm

    Manipulation techniques can be really sneaky and harmful. Being aware of these tactics is crucial, especially in the digital age where they can easily be used against us.

    Reply
  16. Yeah Lifestyle says

    August 15, 2023 at 1:52 pm

    I have experienced gaslighting before, it is really a very narcassistic type of behaviour.

    Reply
  17. Rhian Scammell says

    August 15, 2023 at 2:32 pm

    It’s horrible to read about so many manipulation techniques knowing that there are people out there who use these methods against people. Gaslighting is the only one I’d actually heard of before x

    Reply
  18. Nyxie says

    August 15, 2023 at 3:09 pm

    I have definitely been the victim of gaslighting. And it’s a horrible realization, especially when it’s from your own family.

    Reply
  19. Samantha Donnelly says

    August 15, 2023 at 3:17 pm

    It is so sad that people use these techniques to control others, I was in a controlling relationship and did no realise. Luckily I got out and could not believe I had gone through all those years of being controlled

    Reply
  20. beth says

    August 15, 2023 at 3:35 pm

    I have experience guilt tripping enough that I can recognize it when people do it to me.

    Reply
  21. pedja says

    August 15, 2023 at 4:14 pm

    I am not sure if the average person can properly defend themself from these attacks, especially ones coming from ads, TV and social media…

    Reply
  22. Alita Pacio says

    August 15, 2023 at 4:44 pm

    These are indeed scary especially when we are not aware! Thank you for sharing. Its definitely helpful knowing these!

    Reply
  23. Melissa Cushing says

    August 15, 2023 at 4:44 pm

    Yes,…. great tips here and I for sure have known a few manipulative people in my life. It is easy to have happen to you if you do not know the signs to look out for as well and appreciate you sharing and bringing awareness 😉

    Reply
  24. Claudia says

    August 15, 2023 at 4:45 pm

    Im glad to say Im not a target, although I ahve been once. Its worse to experience such things, especially from a trusted friend.

    Reply
  25. Richard Lowe says

    August 15, 2023 at 4:52 pm

    I’ve been a victim of all of these. Maybe we all have at some point in our lives.

    Reply
  26. karen says

    August 15, 2023 at 6:53 pm

    oh wow! I knew about gaslighting but had no idea about the rest especially NLP, this one is huge….

    Reply
  27. Karletta says

    August 15, 2023 at 7:14 pm

    A good reminder to be aware of people who are trying to manipulate. Like you say, by being aware, we can choose how to respond instead of being pushed or pulled into an undesirable direction.

    Reply
  28. Beautiful Touches says

    August 15, 2023 at 8:11 pm

    These are very common manipulation techniques and it’s good to be aware of them because recognition helps with taking the power out of them!

    Reply
  29. Sue-Tanya Mchorgh says

    August 15, 2023 at 8:41 pm

    An important read on a topic that often goes unnoticed. Manipulation techniques can have a profound impact on our lives, and being aware of them is crucial. The Reciprocity Principle and False Dilemma are definitely tactics to watch out for. Knowledge is power! #StayInformed #Empowerment

    Reply
  30. MELANIE E says

    August 15, 2023 at 9:35 pm

    Yes, I have definitely been a target of these in the past. These days I tend to see through most things and where possible remove such individuals from my life. I don’t see the point in wasting time on such negative individuals.

    Reply
  31. Catalina says

    August 15, 2023 at 9:44 pm

    wow! This is so true and I was in it. It took me years to understand these techniques and get out!

    Reply
  32. Tammy says

    August 15, 2023 at 9:56 pm

    Such an important read! And really interesting too to see an in-depth look into the mind of a manipulator. I’ve experienced all of these unfortunately and the trauma of working the aftermath is draining but you learn a lot more and you’re able to recognize the signs. So many need to read this…it will save them so much heartbreak and time.

    Reply
  33. Debbie says

    August 15, 2023 at 10:43 pm

    I’ve been doing some research on narcissistic behaviors. The sinister manipulation techniques seem very close to the powers of a narcissist and their targets.

    Reply
  34. Gervin Khan says

    August 15, 2023 at 11:11 pm

    I love this article! I love how this article understands the differences between every manipulator. This also helps us to be aware of whether we are being manipulated or not. So, I appreciate for sharing this with us. Thank you!

    Reply
  35. Ntensibe Edgar says

    August 16, 2023 at 12:50 am

    Hhhhmmm….I believe I’ve been a long time victim of NLP manipulation. I am glad I recognised it over time and ended it, once and for all!

    Reply
  36. Marie says

    August 16, 2023 at 1:20 am

    I’ve met a few manipulators at some point, they are really cunning. Some have directly affected me, others those I know – it’s scary once you recognize them… It is so important to know yourself so you don’t fall victim to these people.

    Reply
  37. Zab Zaria says

    August 16, 2023 at 2:12 am

    Wow, this is such an interesting article. It sounds a bit scary because you don’t have any idea that you are in a manipulated situation. Thank you so much for this article and for giving me ideas about it.

    Reply
  38. Jenny says

    August 16, 2023 at 2:31 am

    I have never really thought about manipulation techniques before, thanks for sharing this post.

    Reply
  39. Marysa says

    August 16, 2023 at 5:47 am

    I feel like gaslighting and guilt tripping are fairly common. It is good to know about ways that you might be manipulated by someone else. There are so many toxic people out there!

    Reply
  40. Heather k says

    August 16, 2023 at 6:52 am

    Thanks for posting these warning signs. It’s important to be aware of that they exist and to avoid people who practice these toxic traits.

    Reply
  41. Fatima at The Self-Care Mom says

    August 16, 2023 at 6:57 am

    Such an interesting concept here. Never did I think of some of these.

    Reply
  42. JRC says

    August 16, 2023 at 7:19 am

    This was an eye-opening post-. I never knew there were hypnotizing language patterns- a bit chilling but I would want to use this power for good.

    Reply
  43. Christine Weis says

    August 16, 2023 at 7:49 am

    This is an interesting post! Manipulation is so sneaky and I agree that awareness is key! Thank you for sharing this. I bet some are manipulated in ways they didn’t even know.

    Reply
  44. Catherine Shane Cabuhat-Rojo says

    August 16, 2023 at 10:55 am

    These are eye-opener! Thanks for sharing it with us, sometimes I found myself being manipulated and I realized that while reading this info. People do good at first and I tend to feed more information to them and started to give things, like that.

    Reply
  45. Fransic verso says

    August 16, 2023 at 12:37 pm

    Very informative, I know some of these from educational videos before but was good to read about them more here. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  46. Ellanor says

    August 16, 2023 at 12:58 pm

    Oh Moni, this is such an amazing coverage of manipulation tactics that we all need to be aware of. Guilt tripping and gaslighting are two manipulation tactics I’ve been a target of before. You need a really strong sense of self and awareness of what’s going on to be able to notice these things, and if you’re close with a manipulative abuser, there’s a good chance that they’re working on slowly making you believe you’re stupid, etc. Thanks for the writeup, as it’s so important we’re conscious of these terrible things to recognize them sooner.

    Reply
  47. SONIA SEIVWRIGHT says

    August 16, 2023 at 1:59 pm

    I couldn’t agree more! Manipulation can be incredibly scary, especially when we don’t realize what’s happening. It’s important to arm ourselves with knowledge and stay vigilant to protect ourselves from those trying to control or influence us for their gain. Trusting our instincts and being aware of manipulators’ tactics is critical to staying strong and empowered. Thanks for sharing this important reminder!

    Reply
  48. Abida says

    August 16, 2023 at 2:14 pm

    I have experience with people gaslighting me. It’s very necessary to be aware of them as they can ruin our mental health badly.

    Reply
  49. beth says

    August 16, 2023 at 3:40 pm

    I`m glad to say im not a traget of these manipulation techniques anymore!

    Reply
  50. Richelle Milar says

    August 16, 2023 at 5:23 pm

    This is a really great and very informative post this article can help people to be more aware of how others can manipulate them.

    Reply
  51. Lynndee says

    August 16, 2023 at 6:25 pm

    Manipulators think they can do it and get away with it. The best thing to do is tell them exactly who they are.

    Reply
  52. Dominique says

    August 16, 2023 at 7:14 pm

    Oh my gosh, guilt tripping is one thing I never put up with. No thank you! Excellent article~

    Reply
  53. Sue-Tanya Mchorgh says

    August 16, 2023 at 7:53 pm

    This is such an eye-opening read! Manipulation techniques can be really subtle and understanding them is crucial in protecting ourselves. The Reciprocity Principle and False Dilemma are certainly tactics that can catch anyone off guard. Thanks for shedding light on these tactics and helping us become more aware. Knowledge is power!

    Reply
  54. laura says

    August 16, 2023 at 9:19 pm

    This post sounds so interesting, And I have to keep it in mind. as well. Thanks for sharing this with us.

    Reply
  55. Nadalie says

    August 16, 2023 at 9:46 pm

    I can’t imagine that I am actually practicing The Reciprocity Principle sometimes! This is a very interesting read.

    Reply
  56. Debbie says

    August 16, 2023 at 10:04 pm

    Very interesting post on manipulations. Gaslighting is definitely a way to confuse and alter a person’s sense of reality and is quite manipulative.

    Reply
  57. Luna S says

    August 16, 2023 at 10:38 pm

    I’ve had people try one or two of these on me before, but when you realize the signs you can recognize it and learn to get away from it. Thanks for sharing this.

    Reply
  58. Monica says

    August 16, 2023 at 10:47 pm

    Unfortunately my good friend is going through a divorce because her husband is super controlling and a master manipulator. It’s sad that he’s really good at gaslighting.

    Reply
  59. Affan latif says

    August 16, 2023 at 11:35 pm

    I never felt like that, but i will keep these in mind if i feel anything like that

    Reply
  60. Marie Gizelle says

    August 17, 2023 at 2:34 am

    Guilt tripping is the worst, because others just can’t take responsibility of what they did, and throw it at you.ö. So mean! 🙁

    Reply
  61. Khushboo says

    August 17, 2023 at 2:53 am

    I agree manipulation techniques can be scary, it’s really important to stay vigilant.

    Reply
  62. Kira Kira says

    August 17, 2023 at 3:26 am

    Words are extremely powerful. I always say to my children , say things out loud and watch the magic happen

    Reply
  63. Celebrate Woman Today says

    August 17, 2023 at 3:53 am

    Monidipa, this is the IT post of this week.
    Thank you for bringing it up to the surface and discussing different manipulation tools others may use against any of us.
    As you say, being aware is the key to prevention, plus educating thyself on what is out there to manipulate our minds.

    Reply
  64. Ebony says

    August 17, 2023 at 10:19 am

    Gaslighting is such a common technique. It’s so sad that some people operate this way. Thank you for shedding light on traits we should watch out for.

    Reply
  65. Caroline says

    August 17, 2023 at 2:34 pm

    Glad to have read this. I have learnt something knee about manipulation.

    Reply
  66. Ivan Carlo Jose says

    August 17, 2023 at 4:44 pm

    This is a very informative article. I guess we’ve all been through guilt-tripping and gaslighting — for me the most common manipulation technique. It’s good that we are being made aware of these things right now.

    Reply
  67. Clarice says

    August 17, 2023 at 8:26 pm

    I think Gaslighting is the worst type of manipulation. I agree with you that it destroys self-confidence and it makes you question what you believe in.

    Reply
  68. Christy G says

    August 21, 2023 at 10:33 am

    I’ve dealt with these types of manipulation and it sucks. Especially, when it comes from someone who you thought love you for better or worse, in sickness and health, etc.

    Reply
  69. Dione Amailla says

    September 9, 2023 at 10:37 am

    Your writing style is engaging, and the information is presented clearly. Thanks for this informative piece!

    Reply

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