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Three characteristics of manipulative partners

Three characteristics of manipulative partners

Manipulation is a subtle but powerful form of control. Manipulators skillfully use different tactics to influence others and achieve their goals, but what happens when their usual methods stop working?

In such situations, manipulative people quickly adjust their behavior and change their approach to maintain control.

Family and marriage counselor Tina Fey shared insight into some of the most common traits and behaviors of manipulative partners when their usual guilt-inducing tricks no longer work. These strategies can be confusing and frustrating, but recognizing these patterns is the first step to breaking free from their influence.


They play the victim

When manipulators realize that guilt-tripping is no longer working, they often switch to playing the victim, says Fey. “They suddenly act like they’re hurt, misunderstood, or neglected. Their goal is to trigger your vulnerability so they can regain control. Remember — they’re not the real victim, they’re using this tactic to draw you back into the game,” she explains to Hack Spirit.

They shift the blame

"Manipulators almost never admit their mistakes. When they realize that blame doesn't work, they shift the blame to you or other people. This tactic is designed to put you on the defensive while they maintain control. It can be confusing and frustrating, but the important thing is to remember that it's not your fault - it's their way of avoiding responsibility," emphasizes the expert.

Use the silent treatment

If blame and blame shifting fail, manipulators often resort to the "silent treatment." They ignore our calls and texts or avoid us socially to make us insecure and anxious. “The goal is to make you think you've done something wrong. However, this is a classic manipulative strategy. Don't let the silence discourage you – be sure of your judgment and stand your ground,” concludes Fey.