Acknowledge their feelings but refuse to engage. Then, quietly distance yourself to regain control and peace.
Shift the conversation to neutral topics. Manipulators lose power when the discussion doesn’t align with their agenda.
Respond with silence. Pausing or staying quiet discomforts the manipulator and makes them lose control.
Repeat your response calmly and consistently. This denies manipulators the opportunity to twist your words.
Stay calm and unreactive. Emotional control prevents manipulators from exploiting your feelings for their benefit.
Become emotionally dull and unresponsive. Manipulators lose interest when they receive no emotional reaction or attention.
Establish firm boundaries without explanation. Manipulators thrive on confusion, so consistency prevents further manipulation.