Manipulative behavior is used when someone wants to influence a person for their benefit, to obtain power and control.1
Understanding the tactics and signs can help you avoid the detrimental effects on your emotional well-being and relationships.
The term was introduced to the public in 1938 in a play "Gas Light" by British novelist and playwright Patrick Hamilton.
There is safety in numbers, which is why manipulators work to isolate you from the people and places you feel most comfortable.
Passive-aggressive people are indirect, but it is still a form of aggression. It's categorized as any behavior intended to harm yourself or someone else directly or indirectly.
Love bombing may be a sign of narcissistic personality disorder or unhealthy attachment styles.
Growing up with manipulative family members can significantly influence someone's survival mechanisms
Chronic manipulative behavior has been linked to people with attachment issues and mental health conditions such as borderline personality disorder
Experiencing certain forms of abuse can cause someone to feel unsafe communicating their needs directly, making them susceptible to forming manipulative behaviors.
Although it may be challenging to recognize or prevent these behaviors—because you're not creating them—you can protect yourself from the fallout.