9 psychological tricks to put a manipulator back in their place

Dealing with a manipulator can leave you feeling confused, frustrated, and powerless. They twist your words, play on your emotions, and make you question your own reality.

But here’s the thing: manipulators thrive on control, and once you learn how to take that control back, their power starts to crumble.

In this article, we’re diving into nine psychological tricks that will help you put any manipulator back in their place—without lowering yourself to their level.

Read on to learn how to regain your confidence and stand your ground!

1) Recognize the signs

Before anything else, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of manipulation. This isn’t always easy, as manipulators are skilled at disguising their true intentions.

Still you might notice that a manipulator frequently plays the victim, turning every situation around to make it about them.

Or perhaps they twist your words, making you doubt your own memory or judgment. Or maybe they use guilt or emotional blackmail to get their way.

This behavior can be both draining and confusing, leaving you feeling unsure and off-balance. However, by understanding these tactics, you can begin to see through the manipulation and stand up for yourself.

2) Maintain your boundaries

Boundaries are crucial in any relationship, but they become even more important when dealing with a manipulator.

Often, manipulators will push and test your limits to see how far they can get. They might try to:

• Invade your personal space
• Disregard your feelings
• Make unreasonable demands on your time and energy

It’s easy to get swept up in their tactics and find yourself compromising on things that matter to you. However, it’s essential to stand firm.

Clearly define what is acceptable and what isn’t, and don’t be afraid to say no when a line is crossed. By doing so, you are establishing respect and letting the manipulator know that their tactics won’t work on you.

3) Show empathy

It may seem strange to show empathy towards someone who’s trying to manipulate you, but it can be an effective strategy.

Manipulators often use emotional tactics because they’re dealing with their own insecurities and fears. They may feel the need to control others as a way to cope with their feelings of powerlessness or vulnerability.

By showing understanding and compassion, you essentially disarm them. Instead of reacting defensively, respond with kindness.

This doesn’t mean you allow yourself to be manipulated. Rather, you’re acknowledging their feelings without letting them control the situation.

Keep in mind, this doesn’t excuse their behavior, but it may diffuse the situation and give you more control over the interaction.

4) Accept that you can’t change them

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but no matter how much you try, you can’t change a manipulator unless they want to change.

You may find yourself wanting to help them see the error of their ways, hoping that they’ll turn a new leaf. But the harsh reality is, change has to come from within them, not from your efforts.

This acceptance doesn’t mean you’re giving up or admitting defeat; it just means you’re acknowledging the reality of the situation. It allows you to focus on what you can control: your actions, your reactions, and your own well-being.

It might hurt to admit that you can’t fix them, but it’s an essential step in taking back control from a manipulator.

5) Practice self-care

Being in a relationship with a manipulator can be emotionally taxing. It’s easy to neglect yourself while trying to navigate this challenging situation.

That’s why it’s so important to make time for self-care. This could mean different things for different people: perhaps it’s:

• A relaxing bath
• A walk in the park
• Reading a book
• Spending time with loved ones

The goal is to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical health. It’s about reminding yourself that you are important and deserving of care and respect.

By taking care of yourself, you’re better equipped to handle the difficulties that come with dealing with a manipulator.

6) Seek support

Dealing with a manipulator can often feel like a lonely battle. But you don’t have to face it alone.

Reach out to trusted friends or family members. Share your experiences and your feelings. Sometimes, just having someone listen can make a world of difference.

You might be surprised to find that others have been in similar situations. They can:

• Offer advice
• Share their coping strategies
• Provide a comforting shoulder to lean on

It’s okay to ask for help. You’re not alone in this, and there are people who care about you and want to support you.

7) Keep your sense of humor

When dealing with manipulation, it’s easy to get consumed by the negativity. But sometimes, a dash of humor can be an unexpected lifeline.

Laughter can serve as a powerful tool to lighten your mood and keep things in perspective. A little chuckle or an inward smile can help you remember that you are more than this situation.

However, this doesn’t mean making light of the manipulator’s behavior or dismissing your feelings. It’s about finding moments of joy and levity amidst the challenges.

8) Stand your ground

Manipulators thrive on uncertainty and wavering self-esteem. They’ll exploit any sign of weakness or doubt, using it to further their own agenda.

That’s why it’s crucial to stand your ground.

Be firm in your decisions, assert your boundaries, and don’t let them make you second-guess yourself.

This might be hard, especially if you’re naturally a people-pleaser. You might worry about causing conflict or hurting their feelings. But remember, your feelings are valid too, and standing up for yourself is not only your right but also your responsibility.

9) Trust yourself

Above all else, the most crucial thing to remember when dealing with a manipulator is to trust yourself.

You might find the manipulator doubting your thoughts, your feelings, even your sanity. They might try to make you feel like you’re overreacting or being unreasonable. But always remember, you know yourself better than anyone else does.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don’t let anyone make you question your own reality.

Final thoughts

Manipulators only hold power as long as you let them. By using these psychological tricks, you can shift the balance, protect your boundaries, and reclaim your sense of control.

When you find yourself in a situation with a manipulator, trust yourself and implement the strategies outlined above. However, also remember that it’s okay to seek professional help if the situation becomes too overwhelming or if you find it hard to cope.