Manipulators Use These 4 Phrases to Make You Think They’re No Harm - This Is How You Should Respond

Sep 10, 2018 by apost team

You have probably been manipulated more times in your life than you think. That’s because a manipulator uses certain phrases that make them seem completely harmless. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that they are being manipulated, and they don’t know what to do when they come face-to-face with a manipulator. Here are four common phrases that a manipulator will use and how you can stop them. 

This is a key phrase of a manipulator. Saying this makes them seem as if they are not the ones in control of their own actions. They are trying to make you think their behavior is a direct result of you and something you did. This can be a jarring phrase to hear, especially when the manipulative person is trying to punish you for a perceived slight. A manipulator will often use this phrase because it makes the other person start analyzing their actions and words. 

How should you respond?

Tell them that you did not make them do anything. Don’t fall for their tricks-stand your ground. Remember, everyone has control over their own actions. Keep in mind that they are only out to confuse you. Avoid self-blame when dealing with a manipulator, and be sure that the responsibility for their actions is on them. 

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A manipulator will try to get into your head and gaslight you. They want you to think that you don’t know what you are talking about. They will tell you something like “you’re acting crazy” when you try to bring up a problem. They often accuse the other person of being irrational and not making sense. This is so you doubt yourself and back off. 

How should you respond?

Stay cool and collected. It’s easy to feel frustrated when you are being told you are crazy, but you must stand your ground when responding to this particular phrase. Don’t get caught up in attempting to prove that you are rational. Instead, keep stating your position calmly and clearly.

A manipulator wants the other person to believe that what they are worried about isn’t real. They try to make it seem like there is nothing to worry about and that you are simply overthinking things. This is a huge red flag with manipulative people. 

How should you respond?

This is another way a manipulator tries to gaslight someone. If you are told you are overthinking something, trust your gut. Force them to face their actions and words by stating that you know you are thinking clearly and that you want a response to your concerns. 

This doesn’t sound bad, right? Everyone loves an apology. But a manipulator will apologize repeatedly without ever really changing their behavior. However, since they apologize, it makes them seem as if they really are attempting to be a better person. However, they don’t ever change. 

How do you respond?

You can say that you are grateful for the apology, but you are not going to forgive them until they show you a real change in behavior. They need to see that you are seeing right through their apology and manipulative ways. 

A manipulator knows what the weaknesses of their targets are. They strive to create an imbalance of power in order to specifically exploit the victim and serve their own agenda. A manipulator knows how to act and what to say to make them seem a whole lot more innocent than what they are. Knowing what to say to a manipulative phrase is important and can help you from getting caught up in their lives and misery.
 

What did you think of this article? Do you know a manipulator in your life? Let us know in the comment section and pass this on to others who may need to hear it!