How to outwit a manipulator: 9 smart ways

How do you outwit a manipulator when they have no empathy, no morals, and are masters of deception? It’s almost impossible, but I have a secret weapon you can use against them.

Ask yourself, what does your manipulator want? Whatever they want is their weakness. For example, a narcissist is manipulative because they need attention, so their weakness is attention. The a psychopath must dominate, so being forced to dominate is their weakness. Find their weak points and you will learn how to outwit the manipulator.

How to outwit a manipulator: 9 smart ways

There are many reasons why a person uses manipulation:

1. They want to control you
2. They need your attention
3. They crave power over you
4. They like to use emotional blackmail
5. They are sadists
6. They must be taller than you
7. They are bored
8. They love bomb you
9. They use guilt

Let’s deal with each one.

1. How to outwit a controlling manipulator

Use their control against them

It may seem counterintuitive, but when you give control to a manipulator, you get it for yourself.

Here is an example of how to outwit a manipulator when he wants to control you. Let’s say you’re going through a breakup. You and your partner have a favorite dog and they know you love them. Now your partner insists on keeping the dog. Instead of arguing, say

“Sure, no big deal, he’s already costing me a fortune in vet bills and I don’t have time to walk him twice a day.”

When you “give in” to control, it forces the manipulator to reassess the situation, change his mind, putting you back under control.

2. How to outwit a narcissist

Use reverse psychology

We all know that daffodils want attention and are too self-absorbed to notice anyone else. They often humiliate others in order to increase their fame. This is another controversial idea, but you can flip the switch by expressing mild doubts about your goals and plans. You bet myself down.

Narcissists love to prove others wrong, so they will support your ideas as if they were their own. Before you know it, the attention is on you and the narcissist has become your biggest fan.

3. How to outwit a manipulator who wants power

Be ambiguous

Manipulators study people to know what makes them vulnerable, and that’s how they win power and superiority. They use this knowledge to plot against you. That’s why ambiguity is such a powerful weapon.

If manipulators don’t know what makes you tick, they can’t unbalance you. So, stay silent on hot topics, refuse to answer, or be vague on purpose, even if they insist.

4. How to outwit an emotional blackmailer

Be specific

Emotional blackmailers use vague phrases such as “You never help me” or “After all I’ve done for you . . .”.

To outwit an emotional blackmailer, be specific. Give actual examples of how you help or what you’ve done, and if it doesn’t work, ask them to be specific about their complaints about you.

5. How to outwit a sadistic manipulator

Become an emotional vacuum

If you want to know how to outwit a manipulator with sadistic qualities, there is one simple trick. Sadistic thrive on your pain and dissatisfaction. They enjoy your suffering or emotional response to their actions. Watching you get upset or try to make excuses is their currency. This is what they do for a living.

So don’t react. Become Spock, cold, calm and logical. Because if you stop responding, they have no currency and no reason to continue.

6. How to outwit a manipulator who wants an advantage

Flip the script

Manipulators feel superior to others by criticizing those around them. None of us should pay attention to the opinion of a toxic person, but sensitivity to criticism is natural, and manipulators use this sensitivity to belittle and ultimately elevate themselves.

Flip the script on critical people by asking:

“You sound like you’re trying to say you’re better than me. Are you perfect?”

No one is perfect and it takes the burden off of you and them.

7. How to outwit manipulators when they are bored

Mirror their behavior

Psychopaths get bored easily and need constant stimulation. This fuels their manipulation. They use techniques like gas lighting or insincere flattery to hook their victims. They care when you interact with them, but instead of interacting, mirror their behavior.

So, if they flatter you, don’t thank them. give me a little small compliment back instead. you say “I don’t need your praise. I know what I’m good at.” This confuses them because you are out of the game and now you have the upper hand.

8. How to outwit a love bomber

Slow it down

Love bombers bombard you with strong declarations of love, strong emotions, flattery and big plans, all at the speed of light. This is a manipulation tactic that works best quickly; they knock you off your feet, so you don’t have time to think.

So slower. That vacation they booked in the Maldives two weeks in advance? Reject it. Their request to relocate in a month? Refuse. Their insistence on seeing you every day? You are busy. Remember, time creates intimacy, not flattery.

9. How to outwit a guilty person

Depersonalize the situation

Feeling of guilt it is an unhealthy way of conveying desires by preying on other people’s emotions and sense of responsibility. People feel guilty because they cannot express their needs. This them questions, not yours.

Take the emotion out of the situation, be kind but direct.

For example, the answer to “If you really loved me, you would . . .” saying “I love you, but I can’t help it right now.”

Final thoughts

As you can see, there are many types of manipulators, and each one uses a number of different tactics to control, confuse, criticize, and more. However, find the reason for the manipulation and you will learn how to outwit the manipulator.

Links:

1. www.psychologytoday.com