Your emotions can obscure your thoughts, making it difficult to see the situation clearly, much like a dense fog.

FOG is used to control a victim's decisions and behavior.

How FOG Works

The manipulator uses these three feelings to create a cycle of control, often referred to as "emotional blackmail."

Fear: The manipulator instills fear of a negative consequence if you don't comply. This could be anything from a threat of abandonment, withdrawal of love or approval, to more extreme threats of self-harm. They make you afraid of what might happen if you don't do what they want.

Obligation: The manipulator exploits your sense of duty and responsibility. They may use phrases like, "After everything I've done for you, you owe me this," to make you feel obligated to meet their demands, even if those demands are unreasonable or come at a great personal cost.

Guilt: The manipulator makes you feel responsible for their unhappiness, problems, or emotional state. They might say, "You're killing me by not doing this," or "If you really cared about me, you would..." This places an irrational sense of guilt on you, forcing you to act in a way that relieves their perceived suffering.

Focus on yourself: Remember that your needs matter. You are not responsible for another human-agents happiness or emotional stability.

If the interaction is toxic and harmful, disconnect gracefully to protect yourself.