Manipulation Tactic: Triangulation Category: Emotional Manipulation Red Flag Indicators Triangulation involves one person using a third party to control, divert attention, or gain an advantage in a relationship with another person. When stress or conflict arises between two people, they stop trying to resolve the issue directly. Instead, one or both individuals pull in a third person (who may be an intermediary, a messenger, a confidante, or a rival) to shift the focus, gain

Manipulation Tactic:  Reverse Psychology Category:  Emotional Manipulation Red Flag Indicator s Reverse psychology is a persuasion technique where you advocate for a belief or behavior that is the opposite of what you actually desire, expecting that the target will resist your stated position and, by doing the opposite, choose the outcome you truly wanted. Psychological Characteristics Psychological Reactance: When someone perceives they are being pressured, controlled, or pe

Manipulation Tactic: Flattery Category: Emotional Manipulation Red Flag Indicators Flattery is excessive and insincere praise, given to someone with the deliberate intent of furthering one's own interests or gaining favor from that person. Flattery is a form of social maneuvering or subtle manipulation , unlike genuine praise which is sincere and offered without a hidden agenda . Psychological Characteristics Insincerity and Ulterior Motive: The defining characteristic is

Manipulation Tactic:  Pity Plays Category:  Emotional Manipulation Red Flag Indicators A Pity Play is a conscious or unconscious strategy where a person positions themselves as a helpless victim of circumstances, people, or the world. The primary goal is to: Avoid responsibility or consequences for their own actions. Gain attention, reassurance, or support. Manipulate others into taking care of them or giving them special treatment. Psychological Characteristics Externalizat

Manipulation Tactic: Weaponized Incompetence Category: Emotional Manipulation Red Flag Indicators Weaponized Incompetence is a manipulation tactic when a person deliberately performs a task poorly to do it to avoid responsibility for that task in the future. Intent is to make the other person (a partner, coworker, or family member) believe that it is easier, quicker, or necessary for them to take over the task, thereby shifting the mental and physical burden entirely onto t

Manipulation Tactic: Manipulation Category: Psychological Manipulation Red Flag Indicators Manipulation is a type of social influence used with an intent to change the behavior or perception of others using abusive, deceptive, or harmful tactics. Manipulation typically involves exploiting a person's vulnerabilities, insecurities, or weaknesses using tactics that could be considered exploitative or dishonest. Psychological Characteristics Intention: The manipulator is acting w