Don't Be Lulled By Appeal, Know The 5 Characteristics Of Manipulative People

Illustration of the characteristics of a manipulative person (Unsplash/Milan Popovic)

JAKARTA – Manipulative people can build a perfect storyline. The goal is to convince others and get what they want. Unfortunately, victims of manipulators often do not realize that they have been deceived by sweet seductions and used for certain purposes.

Jamie Cannon MS, LPC., explained that manipulative methods can be identified so that they do not fall for sweet seductions and become their victims. Here are the characteristics.

1. Too perfect to be true

People who are good at manipulating often place too much emphasis on their reputation, Cannon says. They show their prowess, their achievements, and save the wounded.

2. Sacrifice as a cover

The manipulator will use a 'sacrifice' mechanism. Manipulative people can easily be a savior and help to gain trust.

3. Good at making you believe

According to Cannon, a genuine relationship takes time to build trust and get to know each other. Manipulators make bypasses to get you 'addicted', impress their sacrifices, and take advantage of you.

4. Shows greatness in bad situations

Have you ever had a conversation with someone who likes to talk about the great people they have helped? A manipulative person always finds a way to make his story interesting about how he has been hurt because of an unfair situation and packs it in the form of black and white, good and bad, and right and wrong thoughts.

5. It's too soon to share personal stories

How close determines what topics are told. If you're too quick to share personal stories for sympathy, there's a disproportionate balance between how close you are and someone taking the initiative.

Cannon's advice, don't get caught in the manipulator's enchantment web. It can influence you into behavior you would normally never engage in. Well, that's a manipulative person's way of advancing themselves by 'using' a connection with you.