Navigating the Maze: How to deal with a Manipulative Person
“You’ll never be able to find yourself if you’re lost in someone else.”
-Colleen Hoover, November 9
Encountering a manipulative person can be challenging, but you can maintain your sanity and protect yourself with the right strategies. Here are some tips to help you deal with a manipulative person.
How to Deal with a Manipulative Person
Recognize Manipulative tactics: Educate yourself on common manipulative tactics, such as guilt-tripping, gaslighting, or playing the victim. Awareness is the first step in dealing with manipulation. Books such as Robert Greene’s “48 Laws of Power” and “The Laws of Human Nature” are highly suggested starting points.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect yourself from manipulation. Clearly communicate your limits and be assertive when necessary. Don’t be afraid to say no when something doesn’t align with your values. Setting boundaries and saying no is not mean; it is self-care. Anyone making you believe otherwise is manipulating you.
Trust Your instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts. Manipulators often try to create confusion or doubt in their victims. Listen to your gut feelings and validate your emotions. No one understands you better than you.
Maintain Emotional Distance: Keep a healthy emotional distance from the manipulative person. This does not mean shutting down completely but being mindful of the emotional impact their actions may have on you. This tip is easier said than done since every interaction is personal to some degree, but mental health and personal well-being are the focus.
Stay Calm and Collected: Manipulators may provoke emotional reactions to control you. Practice staying calm and collected in challenging situations. Respond thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively.
Seek support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a trusted colleague. Share your experiences and seek advice. Having a support system can provide valuable insights and encouragement.
Document Manipulative Behaviors: Keep a record of manipulative behaviors, including dates and specific incidents. This documentation can be useful if you need to address the issue formally or involve others. This is the nuclear option, of course. Hopefully, the behavior stops before this, but don’t hesitate to go this route if need be.
Dealing with a manipulative person requires a combination of awareness, assertiveness, and self-care. By recognizing manipulative tactics, setting boundaries, and seeking support, you can navigate these challenging interactions with resilience and integrity.