Frequently our acquaintances or friends talk to us in a way that hurts us emotionally. Sometimes, they play mind games with us. They distort our words, subtly hurt our emotions. When we face these things, we become depressed. We don’t know how to keep ourselves calm. Fighting or yelling is never part of any relationship. So we should know when to leave the manipulation behind and keep our-self cool.
So, here are 8 little-known psychological techniques shared with you that will help yourself effectively disarm the manipulator.
Understand the maneuvers or movements of the manipulator
First you need to recognize the tactics that the manipulator uses. This can include guilt, any other tactics that make you question your own sanity or values. This is often done so subtly that you may not even realize you are being manipulated. So, start observing their behavior patterns. Understanding the type of manipulator will put you half a step ahead. Pay attention to how they react when you disagree with them or when they want something from you but don’t get it. By being aware of these, you will be able to avoid them, instead of falling into their trap.
Maintain boundaries
You have to learn to maintain boundaries. Many times you will be offered a proposal that is difficult for you to do. You have to learn to say ‘no’ to him/her. No confrontational behavior is required for this. “Sorry, I can’t do that”, would be enough for him/her to say. In the beginning it will seem difficult to learn. But when you learn this, you won’t become an easy target for a manipulator.
Use the ‘Fogging’ technique
Fogging is a psychological technique used to disarm criticism. It involves dealing with the manipulator in such a way that he/she does not use aggressively but becomes calm. The manipulator’s foundation is founded on conflict. He/she will always try to involve you in false statements, so that you get excited and engage in conflict with him/her. So you apply the fogging method, take his/her main weapon away from him/her and create peace.
Develop emotional awareness
Master manipulators often use emotions to achieve their goals. They try to weaken the emotional space, to get his work done. As emotional awareness develops you will realize your emotions are being manipulated. Pay attention to your gut feelings and subtle changes in mood. Assess the situation objectively.
Use time as a buffer
When you admit to manipulation, give yourself time. Always avoid making impulsive decisions or reacting immediately. When you take time to consider the situation, you can clarify your thinking and have a chance to more objectively evaluate the manipulator’s tactics.
Use humor to deflect
Humor can be a powerful tool to disarm a manipulator. You can respond to their tactics with humor. In this, his/her efforts will fail at first as he/she will realize that it is impossible to excite you. Then the manipulator will relent and distance themselves from it.
Do not try to change a manipulator
One thing you have to remember is that you cannot change them. You can only control your own actions and reactions. Maintaining your boundaries and making sure you’re not taken advantage of. Manipulators will never change their thinking if they don’t change it themselves.
Know when to walk away
The most important thing is to remove yourself from them. Sometimes, all your efforts may fail, so it is better to withdraw yourself from these things. Now, this wrap up is not a show of weakness. It means you are choosing wellness by ignoring a toxic situation and looking after yourself.
The manipulator will always have the intention of defeating you. In that case, pay attention to yourself and take care of yourself without giving importance to his/her behavior or words. When you are mentally strong, you will not be depressed by what others say.
to read more blogs,click here
Writer,
Khairul Islam Shovo
Intern(Batch-10)
Content Writing Department,
YSSE