There’s a thin line between being persuasive and being manipulative. The key difference? Honesty.

Manipulation involves twisting facts and playing mind games to gain an upper hand. It’s a sneaky way to make others tow your line, often without them realizing it.

As a keen observer of human behavior, I’ve discovered that master manipulators have a bag of tricks they love to pull from during arguments. And guess what? Psychology plays a major role in their tactics.

In this article, we’ll expose the 8 common strategies these sly foxes love to use. 

Let’s get started.

1) They bring up your past mistakes

Master manipulators are like elephants; they never forget. Especially when it comes to your past mistakes.

Psychology tells us that bringing up past errors is a common tactic used by manipulators. Why? Because it’s a way to divert attention away from the topic at hand and put the other person on the defensive.

It’s a clever, albeit underhanded, way of gaining an upper hand in an argument. After all, who can argue effectively when they’re busy defending their past actions?

But remember, everyone has a past, and everyone makes mistakes. So if you find yourself in an argument with someone who consistently brings up your past, be aware. They might be trying to manipulate the situation to their advantage.

This tactic is not about constructive criticism or learning from your past. It’s about control and domination. And that’s not how healthy conversations are supposed to go.

2) They twist your words

I’ll never forget the time I found myself in a heated argument with a former friend. Let’s call him Jack. Jack was notorious for his ability to manipulate situations.

During our argument, I clearly stated my point of view about a particular incident. But within minutes, Jack had twisted my words to mean something entirely different. Something that suited his narrative better.

He took my statements, distorted them, and regurgitated them back to me in such a way that they sounded entirely foreign. He was painting a picture that made me look like the bad guy, using my own words against me.

This is a classic manipulative tactic. By twisting your words, master manipulators make you question your own perspective. They create confusion and self-doubt, which gives them the upper hand.

3) They gaslight you

Gaslighting is one of the most insidious forms of manipulation. It’s a psychological tactic used to make someone question their own sanity. The term was coined from a 1944 movie, “Gaslight,” where a husband tries to convince his wife she’s losing her mind.

In arguments, master manipulators use gaslighting to shift the blame and divert attention away from their own actions. They might deny things that have happened or challenge your memory of events.

The aim? To make you doubt your own perceptions and accept their version of reality. It’s a powerful tactic that can lead to feelings of confusion and low self-esteem.

If you’re constantly feeling uncertain or questioning your sanity after an argument, it’s possible that you’re being gaslighted. It’s crucial to recognize this form of manipulation and take steps to protect your mental health.

4) They play the victim

Have you ever noticed how some people always seem to be the victim, no matter what the situation is? That’s no coincidence. It’s a common tactic used by master manipulators.

By playing the victim, manipulators evoke sympathy and divert attention away from their own wrongdoing. Instead of focusing on the issue at hand, you end up feeling sorry for them and overlooking their actions.

It’s a crafty way of turning the tables. Suddenly, you’re the one apologizing, even though you’re not the one at fault.

If you find yourself feeling guilty or apologizing during an argument when you’ve done nothing wrong, take a step back. You might just be dealing with a master manipulator who’s playing the victim card.

5) They use emotional blackmail

Emotional blackmail is a powerful and harmful form of manipulation that tugs at your heartstrings. It’s when someone uses your feelings of love, sympathy, or fear against you to get what they want.

Master manipulators are adept at using emotional blackmail in arguments. They’re not above using phrases like “If you loved me, you would…” or “How could you do this to me after all I’ve done for you?”

These statements are designed to make you feel guilty or obligated to comply with their demands. It’s a situation that can leave you feeling trapped and powerless.

It’s okay to express your feelings and stand up for yourself, even if it means upsetting someone else. You have the right to be heard without being threatened or manipulated through emotional blackmail.

6) They belittle your achievements

Back in my college days, I had a roommate who had a knack for making me feel small. I remember the time I aced an exam I’d spent weeks studying for. Instead of congratulating me, she made a sarcastic comment about how I must have gotten lucky with easy questions.

This was not a one-off incident. It was a pattern. Every time I achieved something, she would find a way to belittle it, making me feel like my accomplishments were insignificant.

Master manipulators often use this tactic to retain their perceived superiority. By belittling your achievements, they make themselves feel better while undermining your self-esteem.

If you notice someone constantly downplaying your successes and making you question your worth, be wary. It’s a classic manipulation tactic designed to keep you in your place.

7) They’re always right

No one likes to be wrong. But for a master manipulator, being wrong is not even an option. They have to be right, always.

In an argument, they’ll twist facts, ignore logic, and even outright lie just to prove they’re right. And if you dare to challenge them? They’ll deflect, divert, or belittle you until you start doubting your own understanding.

This stubborn refusal to accept they could be wrong is more than just ego. It’s a manipulation tactic designed to make you question your own judgment.

If you’re dealing with someone who never admits they’re wrong and always turns the tables to make it seem like you’re the one in error, tread carefully. You might be dealing with a master manipulator.

8) They use silent treatment as a weapon

Silence can be golden, but not when it’s used as a weapon. Master manipulators often use the silent treatment to punish, control, and manipulate their victims.

When they give you the cold shoulder or ignore you completely, it’s not because they need space or time to think. It’s a calculated move designed to make you feel anxious, guilty, or unworthy.

Not responding to your messages, avoiding eye contact, or withholding affection are all forms of silent treatment. And it’s often more damaging than any words could be.

Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship. If someone uses silence as a weapon to control or manipulate you, it’s a clear sign of emotional abuse. Don’t let anyone silence your voice or make you feel lesser for expressing your thoughts and feelings.