A Primer on Manipulation
Manipulative people will often do anything to get their way. They may use a range of tactics that are subtle and hard to prove. No matter the means, their aim is to be in control. If you’re unsure whether someone is manipulating you, the first step is to recognize certain nuances in their behavior. This article aims to help you do just that. If you think you’re being messed with, read on to see if these behaviors sound familiar.
Also, emotional manipulation may be a side effect of mental anguish or illness. It is possible the person can benefit from professional help. It is not, however, your job to encourage treatment. Whatever you do, remember to take care of yourself first and foremost.
Note: the gender on each type is interchangeable or dismissible, as these behaviors can be found in anyone of any gender.
- Mr. Gaslight
Gaslighting is used to create confusion and doubt in the minds of others. Most forms of manipulation employ some type of gaslighting.
To clarify, the term gaslighting is derived from a play adapted into a film: the 1944 noir, titled Gaslight. In the film, the husband tricks his wife into thinking she’s insane. For example, he dims the lights ever so slightly, and denies doing so. This leads her to question her sanity, along with any suspicions she has or will have of him. He utilizes such tactics so that his wife won’t discover a crime he’s committed. Keep in mind that, while most gaslighters try to hide their true intent, they may not have committed an actual crime.
The classic gaslighter is often a charmer. Once his charms start to work, he gradually superimposes his reality onto you. Mr. Gaslight does so by making you question your thoughts and perceptions. He has also honed his craft well to avoid taking any blame, by drawing attention to you at the first sign of conflict. He may taunt, ridicule, or guilt you even if you didn’t do anything wrong. This person likely knows exactly what he’s doing, which is designing a world where your perceptions don’t matter. Like the husband in Gaslight, adjusting little things like dimming lights is the first step to invalidating your entire reality.
2. Ms. Chameleon
Chameleoning is also type of charming, albeit a subtle one. Like the reptile, Ms. Chameleon changes “colors” from one situation to the next. In her case, it’s not just to blend in, but to get something she wants. Granted, everyone slightly adjusts from one situation to the next. For example, you may be formal and poised in a job interview, while casual and relaxed at lunch with a friend.* Contrarily, the chameleon adjusts her settings to garner favor or disfavor.
This is done via subtle mimicry, and tailoring of behaviors and interests to match or clash with your own. When it suits her to be with you, she’ll act in accordance with what she thinks you want. And when it suits her to leave you, she’ll do the opposite. Trying to genuinely communicate with a chameleon can be challenging. But every situation will vary in extremity, so it might not hurt to express your concern. I’d advise taking care in doing so, as her habits could be a manifestation of other unresolved issues that only a professional could help resolve.
*Note that introverts and people on the autism spectrum may imitate others, due to difficulties with social situations. This is not to be confused with someone who adjusts her settings in order to control people.
3. Mr. “Love ya’ babe”/Promises, promises
Words are important. When words lose their meaning, communication falls by the wayside. Actions are important too. If words aren’t put into action, a relationship can really suffer. It’s natural to find a comfort zone when settling into a relationship. Mr. “Love ya’ babe” dwells in that comfort zone. He says “I love you” (or “love ya’ babe, or “love you”, etc.) all the time. While professing love is nice, he rarely shows it in other ways. Talk about an effortless way to have a relationship!
This behavior goes hand in hand with empty promises. Whether a promise was said to seduce you initially, calm you down during an argument, or keep you from leaving, it is manipulation. This doesn’t mean your situation is hopeless. If your partner is stuck in the proverbial comfort zone, he might need a proverbial push to get out of it.
This could take the form of a conversation, or couples therapy if it’s in the budget. Alternatively, try doing something out of the ordinary: take a day trip or get him a little gift. See if that doesn’t stoke the embers a bit. And if it doesn’t, keep in mind that it’s not your fault things haven’t changed. It’s also not your sole responsibility to encourage change.
4. Ms. Cracks-the-Whip
She uses her charms to hook you, then often turns maniacal once you’re reeled in. She may seem easygoing at first. Once you’re committed, if not before, she’ll try to control and change you. This is when her methods become less subtle. Her type is often possessive and suspects the worst whenever you’re not with her.
For example, if you go out with friends, she texts or calls often just to check in. She constantly disapproves of things you like that she doesn’t also like. She might throw away possessions of yours she doesn’t approve of. She may go so far as isolating you from your friends completely. More people need to be aware that such behavior is not okay. And, if you are a Crack-the-Whip type, realize that obsessing over someone can end up driving them away.
5. Mr. Mind Control
Whether mind control is possible or not, Mr. Mind Control believes in it. And, guess what? You’re the lucky test subject! He thinks he can make you better and hopes you think so too. Power of suggestion is his preferred tactic. Yup, just planting ideas in your head with good old-fashioned words. Not very supernatural after all, huh? He’ll even have other friends suggest things to you. All the while, you have no idea the suggestion came from him.
Negging, making a negative comment after giving a complement, is another one of his head games. Sometimes his string pulling is so subtle, you think it’s just your imagination (gaslighting, again). Regardless of how he does it, playing with someone’s head is still a red flag. I’d advise to stay away from him, unless he does away with his mad scientist/mad puppeteer side.
6. Ms. Comedian
Most people look for a partner with a sense of humor. Many of these people also tend to forget there’s healthy and unhealthy types of humor. For example, Ms. Comedian might be great at lightening the mood. She might also be great at avoiding uncomfortable conversations.
So, here’s the signs to recognizing an unhealthy sense of humor: joking about something even when asked not to, insinuating you’ve spoiled the fun by being serious, and teasing/taunting to avoid serious topics. Normally, joking around is a sign of a thriving relationship. Unfortunately, it’s the opposite when used to block communication. Trivializing what you consider important is rude. It also indicates your date or significant other doesn’t take you seriously.
7. Mr. Ball of Contradictions
As a general rule, Mr. Contradiction denies anything misaligned with his current mood. What, you expected he meant anything he ever said or did? Pfft! How dare you resort to reason and logic! Really, though, when he contradicts himself-and he will contradict himself-try and mention what he originally said or did. Try writing it down in the moment.
Then present it to him when the contradiction arises.
He won’t like this, so do keep safety in mind during confrontations. It’s true, everyone tells white lies or changes their mind from time to time. But when there’s a recurring disconnect; you may be dating a ball of contradictions. If he’s making you question your memory of what he said or did, that’s also gaslighting. Double the fun!
8. Ms. Narcissist
Most manipulators have some form of narcissistic personality. Some are more extreme than others. The classic narcissist turns things around to be about her or puts her own spin on it. Like clockwork, if you mention an accomplishment of yours, she’ll mention a greater one of hers. When talking about your day, she’ll interrupt you constantly, or bring attention to how bored she is.
Narcissists usually lack the ability to be interested in anyone but themselves. It may go as far as taking complete control: you may not get to choose where to go out, what movie to watch, what house to live in, and so on. If she does have diagnosable NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder), it is treatable.
Once again, be realistic when trying to help someone. Narcissism can be the result of a variety of other issues. Regardless of its roots, self-centeredness can be like a moving train. Whatever you do, imagine that changing someone all by yourself is comparable to stopping a moving train all by yourself!
9. Mr. Hissy Fit
Manipulators try to avoid lashing out at all costs. They prefer to remain undetected. This is because undetectability equals greater deniability. When all else fails, tantrums are an ace up their sleeve. Mr. Hissy Fit acts like one or a combination of the above manipulators. That is, until you figure out his game. Once you see through his tricks, he resorts to throwing a classic temper tantrum. In other words, when the subtler techniques fail, he relies on having fits. Hopefully it doesn’t come to that, but once again, do be careful.
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