Manipulators are really good at what they do, so, you even may not realize when you are being manipulated. They will use some phrases to show you that they’re not harmful.
Here’re the common phrases manipulators use, as well as how to stop them in their tracks:
“I am sorry.”
Manipulators always use this phrase. By using this phrase they try to manipulate you. They won’t change their behavior, but they’ll apologize. By apologizing regularly, they are trying to show you that they are actually trying to be better, but they aren’t.
Solution:
You can control them by showing your boundaries. You can directly use the word “no” to be safe when they are manipulating you. You can also use, “Thank you for apologizing, but I am not ready to forgive you until I notice a change in your behavior.”
“You are over thinking it.”
They’ll make you feel like your concerns are only a figment of your imagination with this phrase. They’ll do anything that makes you deliberately upset you and just say that you are ‘over thinking’ it.
Solution:
They just use this to gaslight you. So, you can simply tell them “I’m thinking clearly, and I want you to respond to my concerns.” Just respond to their manipulation by making them face their own actions.
“You are acting crazy.”
They will try to get into your head make you feel like that you don’t know what you talk. When you start to talk about a problem you have, they’ll say that ‘you are acting crazy’. These people won’t hesitate to say that you are irrational.
Solution:
You should stay calm and collected even if they make you frustrated and stay away from them when they try to prove that you are being rational.
“See what you made me do.”
This is a most common phrase that manipulators use. This proves that they are you in control of their own actions. They’ll make you feel that you are responsible for their behavior. In case if they’ve done something to punish you for a perceived slight against them, this phrase may be jarring. They use this phrase to control you by making you hyperconscious of your words and actions.
Solutions:
You should let them know that you won’t fall for theirs. You can directly say that “I did not make you do anything”. You are the only person that can control you. Don’t allow them to control you.
The manipulators know your weaknesses. They will deliberately “create an imbalance of power as well as exploit you to serve their agenda”. They are very talented to use the phrases to make you feel that they are innocent. You should also be talented to respond their manipulative phrases. It can prevent you from getting caught to them.