How to Defend Against Emotional Manipulators: Advice from an Emotions Magazine

Emotional manipulators are people who use covert persuasion techniques to influence the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors of others to their advantage. They can be present in all areas of life: family, friends, work, couple… They are often difficult to spot because they know how to be charming, seductive or victims to get what they want. But how do you protect yourself from their grip? Here are some tips from an emotion magazine for recognizing and countering emotional manipulators.

1. Pay attention to questionable information. Emotional manipulators seek to obtain personal information about you to better understand and manipulate you. They may ask you prying questions, rummage through your belongings, eavesdrop on your conversations, or check your social networks. Do not give them access to your private life and keep a certain distance from them.
2. Don’t let yourself be made to feel guilty. Emotional manipulators often use guilt to get you to do what they want. They may blame you for your mistakes, choices, or opinions, make hurtful remarks, or compare you to other people. Don’t let yourself be devalued and assert your self-esteem.
3. Don’t fall into the gaslighting trap. Gaslighting is a form of manipulation that involves denying or distorting reality to make the victim doubt their memory, perception, or sanity. Emotional manipulators can make you think you’re wrong, crazy, or just imagining things. Do not question your judgment and trust your intuition.
4. Don’t give in to emotional blackmail. Emotional manipulators can also play on your emotions to get what they want. They can make you promises, compliments or gifts to seduce you, or on the contrary threaten you, criticize you or ignore you to punish you. Do not let yourself be influenced by their fluctuations and stay true to your values.
5. Don’t give up your freedom. Emotional manipulators seek to control your life and isolate you from those around you. They may impose their tastes, opinions or decisions on you, or prevent you from seeing your friends, family or colleagues. Do not lose your autonomy and keep your activities, hobbies and relationships.
6. Don’t face manipulation alone. Emotional manipulators can make you feel alone, misunderstood, or helpless in their grip. It is important not to remain isolated and to seek support from people you trust who can listen to you, advise you or help you gain perspective.
7. Don’t be afraid to say no or leave. Emotional manipulators may try to hold you back or change your mind if you refuse their demands or want to end the relationship. They may use flattery, seduction, guilt, or threats to get you to give in. Do not give up on your will and assert your right to respect and happiness.

Emotional manipulators are toxic people who can harm your well-being and fulfillment. It is essential to identify them and avoid them as much as possible. If you are the victim of emotional manipulation, do not hesitate to ask for help.