Manipulative Behavior Examples
Examples of manipulative behavior
1) Minimizing
Manipulative behavior involves minimizing its effects on others. When the recipient of a nasty or insensitive comment speaks up, the manipulative person, instead of being concerned that they have upset someone, will counter with the reply, "I was only joking. Can't you take a joke?" or "You are SO sensitive!" This completely minimizes the emotional impact and leaves the recipient with nowhere to go. They are left feeling they are to blame.
Another example, "I am feeling so stressed today" (hoping for sympathy and support). Manipulators response: "You don't know what stress is!" If you get upset, you will invariably be told, "I was only joking!" There is no validation, empathy or support. Manipulators can also be entrenched narcissists.
2) Never accepting blame …show more content…
Their behavior is often seen by the as a response to something someone else has done. If they hadn't annoyed me, it would never have happened. If they had listened, I would need to act this way, etc. They like to absolve themselves from any personal responsibility for their actions. A good example: you trip over their shoes/bag, etc. in the night as they have placed them too near the doorway. When you fall over them, you are blamed by the manipulator because you should watch where you are going, or you should have turned on the light (the fact that they left their belongings where people walk is not considered or mentioned).
3) Non-verbal signs of manipulative behavior
Eye rolling, sighing, head shaking – these are some of the typical behaviors exhibited by a manipulator. They show disapproval or disappointment without having to say a word and leave the victim feeling shame and guilt. It is all part of the process of making another person doubt – a slow-drip erosion of their confidence occurs over time. 4)
1) Minimizing
Manipulative behavior involves minimizing its effects on others. When the recipient of a nasty or insensitive comment speaks up, the manipulative person, instead of being concerned that they have upset someone, will counter with the reply, "I was only joking. Can't you take a joke?" or "You are SO sensitive!" This completely minimizes the emotional impact and leaves the recipient with nowhere to go. They are left feeling they are to blame.
Another example, "I am feeling so stressed today" (hoping for sympathy and support). Manipulators response: "You don't know what stress is!" If you get upset, you will invariably be told, "I was only joking!" There is no validation, empathy or support. Manipulators can also be entrenched narcissists.
2) Never accepting blame …show more content…
Their behavior is often seen by the as a response to something someone else has done. If they hadn't annoyed me, it would never have happened. If they had listened, I would need to act this way, etc. They like to absolve themselves from any personal responsibility for their actions. A good example: you trip over their shoes/bag, etc. in the night as they have placed them too near the doorway. When you fall over them, you are blamed by the manipulator because you should watch where you are going, or you should have turned on the light (the fact that they left their belongings where people walk is not considered or mentioned).
3) Non-verbal signs of manipulative behavior
Eye rolling, sighing, head shaking – these are some of the typical behaviors exhibited by a manipulator. They show disapproval or disappointment without having to say a word and leave the victim feeling shame and guilt. It is all part of the process of making another person doubt – a slow-drip erosion of their confidence occurs over time. 4)