Manipulators Minimize and Trivialize Misdeeds
You know that when someone continues tries to trivialize matters, they’re not taking seriously the problems they need to correct.
Playing the Blame Game Well
Manipulators and other disturbed characters are adept at playing the blame game. But when someone makes the injurious choice, it’s strictly on them. Thy may point the finger elsewhere and try to justify. But you empower yourself when you refuse to take on someone else’s rightful burden.
Rationalizing Away Wrongdoings
Rationalizing, or excuse making, is a manipulation tactic. The strategy is simple: get someone to buy into your “explanations,” and your behavior takes on a whole different light. Your intentions look less sinister. And you don’t look so bad in character. Wow! Do bad things, and look good doing them! Now, that’s quite a feat!
Confronting Evasion and Diversion Tactics
Manipulators like engaging in evasion and diversion because these tactics keep the spotlight off their behavior. There artful dance around the issues can help them stay one step ahead of you. That’s why it’s so important to confront their tactics head-on.
Surviving A Manipulator and Restoring Your Sanity
Some people fight in very surreptitious ways. The covert maneuvers they employ are effective. They throw others on the defensive while cloaking aggressive intent. You might suspect something is up but end up doubting yourself. You might even question your sanity. To restore your sanity you have to trust your gut.
Disturbed Characters Can Be Crazy-Makers
Crazy-makers employ a slew of subtle tactics to make you doubt. And the more charming, polished, and convincing they are at this, the more unsure and crazy they can make you feel.
Lies Manipulative Malignant Narcissists Tell
Manipulative malignant narcissists engage in a constant dance of positioning for advantage. All they care about is for you to be in the dark or second-guessing. They don’t want you to have their number or know what they’re really up to. They seek only power, dominance, and control. And lying gives them the position of advantage.
Why We Lie – Even to Ourselves
facing the truth can be really painful at times. But to have character you must have the courage to face the truth without denial or deceit.
How Denial Obstructs Character Growth
Human beings are great self-deceivers. But some of us deceive ourselves so earnestly and so often that we begin to believe our falsehoods, and that really gets in the way of our character growth.
Narcissistic Irreverence Begets Haughtiness
Toxic relationships are born of narcissistic irreverence. One simply can’t love what what can’t first appreciate.