Manipulators are often so amazing at what they do, you don't see them coming and you don't even recognize when you're being used, until it's too late. Those who make a habit out of manipulating others will go to great lengths to get the results they want, regardless of who they're hurting in the process. In order to protect yourself from being manipulated and lied to, take note of these five key phrases manipulators say to make you feel crazy:
1. "You're Misunderstanding Me"
When a manipulator feels close to being caught, they'll turn the tables to create a sense of doubt. By telling you that you're the one who's confused, they're shifting the focus to your own self-doubt. Manipulators thrive on creating negative emotions. They feel joy when someone else is confused or upset. If a manipulator uses this phrase on you, be confident that you're not the one who is confused. Replay exactly what was said or done, to understand the manipulator's intent.
2. "You're Acting Crazy"
The only reason someone calls another person crazy or irrational is to hurt them. If a manipulator attacks you this way, they are again trying to create a sense of self doubt. They want you to become confused about your own reaction to what they've said or done, to take the focus off of them and put it on you. This is a direct attack on you, in an attempt to shift some of the blame.3. "You're Too Sensitive"
No one wants to be manipulated, lied to or used. But telling you that you're too sensitive allows the manipulator to create a sense of doubt, causing you to question yourself. Even if you are sensitive, it doesn't give them an excuse for how they've treated you. The truth is, sensitive people often fall prey to manipulators because they care and are kind to others. If you know you're on the sensitive side, be especially careful to avoid people with the wrong intentions.
