RECIPROCITY

Guilt-tripping Guilt-tripping is when someone tries to make you feel responsible or guilty of your actions or decisions. Moving the goalposts Sometimes, no matter how much you show up for someone who manipulates, they will change their expectations at the last minute to keep you constantly running toward their “goalposts.” Lying People with manipulative tendencies often lie in an attempt to control or coerce others. They may also lie to avoid blame or consequences for their actions. Love bombing Love bombing is manipulation through excessive attention, often showering you inappropriately with gifts, compliments, affection, and time. Flattery Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between a compliment and flattery. A compliment is given to sincerely point out something positive with no expectation of gain. But flattery is often used disingenuously as a tool to gain emotional leverage. Projection Projection happens when one person claims an emotion they’re feeling — such as jealousy — is actually being experienced by someone else. Often times a person with manipulative tendencies might cause tension and drama, but blame someone else for creating that energy. Triangulation Triangulation happens when a third person is brought into your communication instead of keeping the issue between the two people it impacts. Allowing manipulative people from having to take responsibility and may protect them from feeling like they’ve lost an argument