When we are little, we don’t understand the full meaning of manipulation or why it is a terrible thing to do. In their new blog post, Linda and Charlie Bloom highlight the official definition of manipulation and go in-depth when describing the amount of actions that constitute as manipulative behavior. They also summarize phrases people use to make their manipulation okay in the end and some of the realistic outcomes one or both parties might feel when manipulation occurs within the relationship.
Key Takeaways:
- Some of the ways people manipulate others are by intimidation, shaming, bribing, and judging.
- Often the behavior itself is not manipulative, but rather the context in which it is being used and the intention of the person using it.
- If you find yourself manipulating another person, be honest with yourself about what you are doing and why.
“Manipulation is what we do when we are not willing to risk openly acknowledging our intentions by expressing our desires.”