Whichever word you use for it, manipulation involves scheming to influence someone to do what you want them to do, often done in an unfair or deceptive manner. Emotional manipulation is when one person exerts emotional pressure on the other to elicit a reaction such as guilt or fear. Physical manipulation may involve controlling another person’s environment or movements in order to force them into compliance.
In this article, we will discuss two other forms of manipulation: gaslighting and brainwashing.
Another Word for Manipulation – Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a type of manipulation used by an individual to make another person doubt their own judgement, memory, or perception. It’s usually done through subtle tactics such as withholding information, lying, and distorting facts.
Examples of gaslighting in relationships include:
- Denying that something happened when the other person clearly remembers it.
- Constantly shifting blame onto the other person for things they didn’t do.
- Making false promises and then denying they were ever made.
- Withholding important information or hiding key details from the other person.
Another Word for Manipulation – Brainwashing
Brainwashing is a form of psychological manipulation used to alter someone’s beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. It is sometimes referred to as thought reform or coercive persuasion.
Examples of brainwashing in relationships can include:
- Influencing the other person to adopt the same ideas and beliefs as you.
- Belittling the other person’s thoughts and experiences in an effort to control them.
- Isolating the other person from their family and friends and replacing them with people who share your views.
- Using rewards and punishments to manipulate the other person into compliance.
Another Word for Manipulation – Deception
Deception is an act of deliberately misleading someone in order to gain an advantage. It can take various forms, such as telling a lie, omitting relevant information, or even pretending to be someone else.
Examples of deception in relationships include:
- Not being honest about feelings and motivations
- Lying about past relationships or other life experiences
- Hiding financial information or debts
- Omitting important details in conversations to mislead the other person
- Pretending to be someone else for personal gain.
Another Word for Manipulation – Coercion
Coercion is the act of using force, threats or manipulation in order to get someone to do something they would not otherwise do. In relationships, coercion can take various forms such as physical violence, emotional abuse, or even economic power.
Examples of coercion in relationships include:
- Threatening physical violence
- Using verbal insults or bullying to intimidate
- Withholding money or other resources as a means of control
- Making demands that are unreasonable and/or impossible to meet
- Manipulating someone’s emotions in order to gain an advantage
Another Word for Manipulation – Triangulation
Triangulation is a manipulative tactic often used in relationships, where one person will try to make another person jealous by involving a third person. This can be done subtly or overtly, and can involve both physical or emotional contact.
Examples of triangulation in relationships include:
- Spending more time with a “friend” than the significant other
- Flirting with someone else in front of the significant other
- Sharing intimate stories or details about past relationships with others
- Discussing romantic feelings for someone else while interacting with the significant other
- Making plans with someone else to make the significant other feel threatened
Another Word for Manipulation – Future Faking
Future faking is a type of manipulation where someone will make promises or insinuate that they have plans for a future together, when in fact there are no intentions of actually carrying out those plans. This is a form of deception and it can be damaging to relationships.
Examples of future faking in relationships include:
- Making promises about potential trips, marriage, or other long-term commitments that never come to fruition
- Saying things like “I love you” but not following through with actions or words that show true commitment
- Talking about “us” as if you are already committed without actually making a commitment
- Leading the significant other on with false hopes and dreams
Another Word for Manipulation – Guilt trips
Guilt tripping is a manipulative tactic that seeks to make someone feel guilty for their actions or behavior. It’s a form of psychological manipulation and it’s used to get people to do what the manipulator wants them to do. Examples of guilt tripping in relationships include:
- Criticizing or belittling someone in order to make them feel bad
- Blaming someone for something they didn’t do
- Making someone feel guilty for not meeting unrealistic expectations
- Guilt-tripping someone into doing something they don’t want to do
Strategies for Dealing with Manipulators
Manipulation is a toxic behavior that can be difficult to identify and even more difficult to tackle. If you find yourself in a situation where someone is trying to manipulate you, here are some strategies for how to handle it:
Identify the Manipulator: Start by recognizing what manipulative tactics are being used, such as gaslighting, guilt trips or future faking. This will help you better understand the situation.
Don’t Engage: Try not to get drawn into arguments or debates with the manipulator, as they will likely get defensive and further escalate the situation. Simply acknowledge their statements and back away from engaging too deeply.
Establish Boundaries: Set clear boundaries of what you won’t tolerate and make sure the other person knows them. Speak up if they continue to cross those boundaries and try not to let your emotions take over.
Voice Your Feelings: Be honest about how their behavior makes you feel so they know that it has an effect on you but don’t appear weak or vulnerable – this will only serve to fuel them further.
Know When To Walk Away: If nothing seems to work and the situation isn’t improving, then it may be necessary to walk away from the relationship altogether so that no one gets hurt in the process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to be mindful of any potential manipulative tactics someone may be using against you. By recognizing the signs of manipulation, you become empowered to take the necessary steps to protect yourself. This will help you maintain your autonomy within a relationship and better handle difficult people, allowing for healthier interactions overall.
Posts About Gaslighting
Gaslighting Defined – How Can You Tell If Your Partner Is Gaslighting You?
What Does Gaslighting Mean – The Ultimate Guide
A Gaslighting Example – What It Is and How to Spot It
Jokes or Abuse? When Jokes Cross the Line
What is Ambient Gaslighting?
Ambient Abuse – Signs To Look Out For
Gaslighting – Do Not Ignore This Toxic Sign of an Abusive Relationship
What Are The 4 Types of Gaslighting?
What Are The Seven Signs of Gaslighting?
Gaslighting at Work – How to Recognize and Address It
The Psychological Toll of the Narcissist Gaslighter – Healing and Recovery
10 Red Flags of a Narcissistic Gaslighter – How to Spot the Warning Signs
How Female Narcissists Use Gaslighting to Control Their Victims
The Meaning of Guilt Tripping and How It Influences Our Behavior
Understanding Manipulation – What Does Manipulate Mean?
Another Word for Manipulation – Gaslighting, Brainwashing and Guilt Tripping
How Sociopaths and Narcissists Use Gaslighting to Control Their Victims