But the truth is, we’ve probably all become prey tomaster manipulatorswithout even knowing it.
What is a master manipulator, really?
They see others as objects and feel entitled and self-important.
They’re opportunistic, selfish, and transactional and become whatyouneed to get whattheywant.
This abuse cancause PTSD2because of the constant manipulation, humiliation, and devaluation.
Their predatory behavior is strategic, cunning, and abusive.
And perhaps the biggest burn?
Below we dive deeper into both.
They will be attentive, ask intriguing questions, and always be available.
Welcome to thelove bomb or ideation phaseit’s the foundation of grooming.
Lets face it, it feels good to be wanted, needed, and seen.
Intriguing questions are their way of gathering information to use against you in the future.
They’re using this phase to ask themselves,Do you comply with their subliminal clues?
Do you have a weakness they can easily exploit?
Can you supply them with what they want?
They may seem devoted only to you, but this is the game.
Dont let yourself get lost in the free fall.
How to avoid being manipulated by charm
Take things slow and alwayslisten to your intuition.
Almost every victim of narcissistic abuse reports they knew something was off from the very beginning.
Rule of thumb: if it feels too good to be true, it most likely is.
Negging
Neggingis essentially an open way to put you down.
It sounds like a nice compliment, but it is loaded with passive aggression.
They do this so you are more susceptible to their advances.
Negging doesnt work on everyone, especially if you have respect for yourself.
But the truth is, many of us still fall victim to these tactics.
How to avoiding being negged
Pay attention to others actions and words.
Do they match, and do you feel safe in their company?
Stand up for yourself and set clearboundaries.
Refuse to engage further with people who put you down.
Simply respond with, I dont appreciate backhanded compliments.
I am a kind, respectful person, and I expect the same in all my connections.
Punishing tactics used by master manipulators & toxic people
An abuser will punish you in many ways.
But when you are involved with dark triad types, they only want control.
When they feel you have fallen “out of line,” they may engage these punishing tactics.
These passive-aggressive tactics are used to make you question your own behavior.
Dont fall for it!
Its an abusive method of control, punishment, avoidance, and disempowerment.
To avoid this manipulation, opt out completely.
Anyone who punishes you for standing in your power is not worth having in your life.
This is intended to provoke you into chasing them so they can reinforce their sense of power and control.
This is an attempt to create a trauma bond and keep you pulled into their delusions.
But remember, energy doesnt lie, and if you feel that something is off, it is!
People who play these games will never be able to give you the consistency you deserve.
As John Douglas, the pioneer of criminal profiling, shares, Never forget behavior reflects personality.
What you see is most likely what youre going to get.
It is important to have clear standards and boundaries in all your relationships.
double-check people are consistent and their actions match their words.
Hot-and-cold behavior and inconsistencies signal they dont value you and only want you on their terms.
This is the smear tactic, but it only works on the people who blindly follow them.
Narcissists,sociopaths, and psychopaths smear your name to avoid taking responsibility or accountability.
Recognize that you have the real powerand sometimes, your silence speaks volumes.
Rise above the drama andfocus on your own life.
Do ensure you document and keep track of everything and focus on your faith and facts.
They alluse the same tactics.
Dont seek validation or your worth outside of yourself.
Predators love to weaponize your unhealed traumas.
Many of these abusers will use your desire for connection and compassion to abuse your kindness and empathy.
I lost a lot of people I thought were friends to the manipulator’s deceit.
check that you have people it’s possible for you to trust and lean on moving forward.
