Dealing with Manipulative People: How To Break Free From Their Manipulative Control
By Michael Lee

Dealing with manipulative people is an unpleasant - but sometimes necessary - part of life. You can't always avoid them because there's almost no telling what kind of person someone is unless you get to know them better. You can have co-workers who seem so nice only to find out that they're not who you thought they were.

Dealing with manipulative people is tough. But by equipping yourself with the tips below, you'll be able to handle them without feeling frustrated or helpless.

1) Learn From Past Mistakes.

Saying sorry is easy. This is why you cannot always accept a person's apology and go on living as if nothing happened.

When dealing with manipulative people, you need to be on your guard all the time. If you've been played with once, don't be too quick to trust that person the second time around. That person's apology could easily be another ploy to manipulate you into doing or feeling something you shouldn't have to in the first place.

My advice is to accept the apology, but let that person be aware that you don't forget easily. That should keep the manipulative person on edge - and you on your toes.

2) Practice Saying "No."

Manipulative people choose their prey. They'll scope around and look for someone who can't say "no." If you're naturally generous, you'll probably have a hard time refusing somebody's request or order.

This is why you have to practice saying "no." Do it with a friend who can act as the manipulative person. Every time someone asks you a favor, weigh the options. If it will take away precious time from you, say "no." If they can do it by themselves, say "no."

They need to learn how to be independent. And truth be told, so should you. Don't expect to be rescued from every situation you get manipulated into. Learn to take charge of your life.

3) Surround Yourself With Genuine Friends.

Dealing with manipulative people is made easier when you're backed up by your loyal friends. You know who they are. They will protect you from being talked into something that you don't want or you don't have to do.

Plus, friends also give you honest advice. No matter how difficult it may be to hear the truth, you know that they're just looking out for you. Besides, manipulative people find it intimidating to go against someone with a back-up team.

Not everything in life can go smoothly. Dealing with manipulative people is part of interacting with the rest of the society. However, you don't have to keep getting victimized over and over again. Follow these tips and learn to break free from manipulative techniques.