There are many methods of psychological influence on a person to force him to perform certain actions. Knowledge of the methods of protection makes it possible to identify such manipulation in time and not fall under its influence.
Manipulation techniques are very diverse. They are used by a wide variety of people, including family and friends. Sometimes this happens unconsciously, but in many cases the impact is targeted to obtain the desired result. People learn the first skills of manipulation in childhood - the child often deliberately capricious and cries, knowing that this can induce the parents to fulfill his requirements. For example, buy a toy he likes.
With age, manipulation techniques become more subtle. Some people learn it purposefully by studying NLP, Ericksonian hypnosis, advice from specialists like Dale Carnegie, etc. Learning how to protect yourself from manipulation is quite simple, you just need to understand some basic principles and hone them daily in real communication.
Protection from manipulators
The most difficult thing is to resist manipulation by gentle, kind-hearted people who cannot say no. Such people are practically trouble-free, which is widely used by those around them. Assess yourself - how often do you have to deny anything to relatives, friends, colleagues at work? People need help, that's right. Sometimes you can even help to your detriment. But that shouldn't be the rule. If you are over and over again trite used for their own purposes, learn to say "no", this is very important.
Be carefull. When you are asked for something again and you do not like it, refuse. You can even apologize, saying that you won't be able to do it today - you have other plans, etc. The most important thing in this situation is not to feel guilty about anything. Respect yourself, your right to live and do as you see fit. If they try to persuade you, firmly refuse again. Having stumbled upon a decisive "no", a person will think three times before asking you for something again.
There is a simple rule: if someone turns to you, it means that they want something from you. Do you want something from the person who speaks to you? If not, be prepared to immediately stop any attempts to influence you. Do not believe when they start talking to you about your benefit and offer to purchase a product, open a deposit, change something old for a new one, etc. etc. - there are very few benefactors in this world, and the likelihood that you have encountered one of them is negligible.
Don't let the pressure be put on you. Do not engage in long conversations - if you are not interested in the interlocutor's proposal, immediately cut off the conversation, do not allow yourself to be persuaded. The phrase “Thank you, I already have it” works well and can be used in many situations.
Psychological invulnerability
Learn not to depend on the opinions of other people, their words in no way should hurt you. Be “transparent” to any impact - a person can be “hooked” only if he has something to protect. You were publicly insulted - yes, you can immediately get into a fight or say something in response. Or you can simply grin, realizing that an insult is also a method of manipulation, a means to unbalance a person, to get a certain reaction from him. Do not follow the lead of manipulators, do not live up to their expectations. Act contrary to the expectations of the provocateur and you will immediately knock him out of the rut, knock off all his arrogance from him.
If the situation comes to a fight, fight, protect yourself and those close to you by all available means. But do not follow the line of behavior that manipulators define for you. Destroy their plans, act contrary to their logic. Be spontaneous, unpredictable, and it will be impossible to manipulate you.
