Manipulation is a psychological influence aimed at imperceptibly leading a person to perform the necessary actions, to change his opinion or attitude to a certain situation. In order not to meet the expectations of the manipulator, it is necessary to identify the unwanted impact in time and to avoid it.
Instructions
Step 1
Be aware of your feelings and needs. Clearly separate your interests and those of others. If the manipulator is trying to make you feel guilty, emotionally unbalanced, or solve his problems at your expense, change the emotional response he expects you to receive. Pay attention to the confusion that reigns in your feelings: you seem to be sure that you are doing the right thing, but at the same time you have some kind of inner protest and you feel uncomfortable.
Step 2
Be on your guard: ask clarifying questions, do not bind yourself with any promises. Say that you need time to think or consult with someone. Not getting the right reaction right away, the manipulator realizes that his intentions have been revealed, and will turn the conversation to another topic. Make it clear to the manipulator that you are not going to be led by him. Tell the person directly how you think and feel about the situation. Remember that manipulation loses its power if the "victim" becomes visible.
Step 3
Learn to ignore manipulators. At the first sign that they want to use you for their own purposes, turn the conversation to another topic. If a stranger is trying to manipulate you, break off contact under a plausible pretext. Deprive the manipulator of his main instrument of influencing other people by learning how to extinguish excessive emotionality at the time of making important decisions. Prioritize your interests and desires and say "No" to people who are clearly using you.
Step 4
Develop communication skills that will help you identify times when they want to use you for their own purposes. Build self-confidence and self-esteem: This kind of self-sufficiency will keep you from getting lost in a difficult situation. Respond to manipulation in a similar manner. Having understood the essence of what is happening, let the interlocutor lead your game further, but imperceptibly introduce your conditions into its plot. Reduce the manipulative influence or negate it by making a critical remark, expressing condemnation or ridicule in relation to the actions of the interlocutor.
