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mental health content to more people out there. Hi Psych2Goers. Do you mean marvel at how some people are always able to get their way? These are people who have extremely high manipulative tendencies. The reason they are hard to identify is that they employ
rather innocent tactics. However, any innocent act
when used with ill intent turns into a tool for manipulation. We would like to emphasize that just because you may
believe one way or another, you are not automatically characterized as a master manipulator
or a manipulator at all. These are simply trends,
not hard and fast rules. So with that said, here are 10 signs that someone could be
a master manipulator. Number one. They don't always seem intimidating. Did you know that many manipulators don't come off as intimidating? In fact, a classic characteristic
of a master manipulator is their charm. Who knew? According to a study, master manipulators often use their charm to perpetuate a cycle of abuse. Though charm is often associated
with a first impression, master manipulators use their
trait to their advantage, to reel someone back in or
to mask negative thinking. Number two. They assume that humans
are inherently evil. Mirror, mirror on the wall, do you believe all
humans are naturally good or naturally evil? According to psychologist,
Susan Whitbourne, many master manipulators
tend to believe the latter. Master manipulators tend to believe that humans are inherently dishonest and are likely to take
advantage of each other. Number three. They find a practical
necessity for manipulation. Bending ethics, misleading others, or taking advantage of
others for a greater benefit. Sound familiar? Master manipulators tend to justify a practical need for manipulation, which could manifest in a number of ways. With their line of thinking, they are able to find justifications for their misdemeanors with ease. Providing reasoning or justification doesn't necessarily make
someone manipulative, but it's a good indication that they aren't strongly
opposed to the idea. Number four. They like to embellish stories. Do you know someone
who likes to exaggerate or embellish details
when they tell stories? Maybe they add in dialogue or moments that never really happened. Embellishment is pretty common and usually not ill-intentioned. However, at its core, it's
still a form of manipulation. Often, manipulators use
this embellishing technique to sway their audience
to feel a certain way or to gain empathy. Number five. Their phrasing is ambiguous. Do they use phrases such
as, your choice, but...? Paying attention to the
language of a master manipulator can help you glimpse into
their true intentions. While these praises are not usually used with manipulative tendencies,
they do tend to sway others into a different thinking pattern. You are unconsciously steered
into doing it just their way because those expressions
elicit an accommodating attitude on the receiving end. Number six. They use passive aggressiveness. Has anyone ever used the
silent treatment on you? It makes you wanna do anything possible, even against your will to get them to talk to you again, right? It might be considered agonizing at best and painful at worst. The silent treatment
is one of the examples of passive aggressiveness,
contributing to manipulation. It might seem less invasive,
but is equally potent. Some people tend to use such
passive aggressive actions to guilt or shame others into compliance. Other common examples of
passive aggressiveness are snide comments and even gossip. Yikes. Number seven. They often use others for personal gain. Do you know someone who
tends to always use others as a shield in the face of
even the slightest adversity? If so, it's a kind of coping
mechanism that they employ. The underlying mental disorder causes potential effects on their moods, which encourages manipulative
behavior in them. And if they're maladaptive
coping mechanism to the underlying disorder is to use people and
take advantage of them, they may come off as a mask manipulator. Number eight. You're scared to say no to them. Are you good at saying no, except when it comes to certain people? Are you scared of the way they may react? When you say no to a master manipulator, you might be afraid of the
pressure they'll put on you to change your mind. If this is the case, know that you aren't weak
for feeling the way you feel, and the most important thing is to prioritize your own peace. Being manipulated is never your fault, no matter how you're made to feel. Number nine. They talk in circles. Does it feel like any sticky
conversation with them simply goes nowhere? That's because they're
never gonna take you there. Master manipulators dodge questions they don't wanna answer, change the subject a little too quickly, or deceive you into thinking you're wrong just to avoid admitting
fault or compromising. They tend to be very intentional and precise with their
language in these situations to avoid answering a question directly, while at the same time, trying to cover up and make the conversation
progress as it naturally would, all in one go. And number 10, they're diagnosed with
a personality disorder. Did you know that manipulation
more often than not can be a sign of a range
of personality disorders? Psychologists suggests that in
addition to Machiavellianism, personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and
antisocial personality disorder can all increase someone's
tendency to be manipulative. However, it's important to note that acting on these
tendencies is still a choice and having a personality disorder does not automatically make
anyone a master manipulator, although it's common to want
everything to go your way. This might get in the way of healthy, long-term relationships. It's always a good approach
to seek professional help in assisting you to
explore the reasons for your exhibiting manipulative tendencies or deal from its experience. It helps to recognize reasons preventing you from making meaningful and healthy relationships
and friendships with others. Do any of these describe your experience? Leave a comment down below
about your encounters with them if you'd like. Please feel free to share any
thoughts you have as well. If you found this video helpful, be sure to hit the like button and share it with those out there in the clutches of manipulation. Don't forget to subscribe to Psych2Go and hit the notification
bell for more new videos. As always, thanks for watching.
