Ever wondered how some folks always seem to sway things in their favour? It’s not luck. It’s a crafty use of certain phrases that toy with your feelings.

If you’re ready to crack this code, brace yourself. We’re about to dive into 10 phrases that prove someone’s a pro at this.

So, grab your curiosity and let’s uncover these emotional manipulation masterpieces.

This might just flip your conversation game upside down!

1. “You’re too sensitive”

Ever heard someone say, “You’re too sensitive” when you express how you feel?

This phrase is a classic manipulative technique. It makes you question your emotions, making them seem invalid or overblown. This way, the manipulator dissociates from any responsibility for their actions, shifting the focus and blame onto you instead.

It’s a cunning phrase that can make you feel guilty for being hurt, when really, your feelings are completely valid.

2. “I’m only doing this for your own good”

This one’s a sneaky phrase. “I’m only doing this for your own good” is a manipulator’s favorite.

Why? Because it helps them mask their actions as some sort of tough love or care. It gives them the power to justify their actions, no matter how hurtful or harmful they might be.

It’s a phrase designed to make you feel like they know better and that they’re looking out for you, when in fact, they might just be serving their own interests.

3. “Don’t you trust me?”

This phrase really hits home for me. I had a friend who used “Don’t you trust me?” on me quite often.

Every time I would question his decisions or actions, he’d play the trust card. It was a sly way of making me feel guilty for questioning him, as if I was the one at fault for not having enough faith in him.

This phrase is a manipulator’s tool to escape accountability and shift the blame onto you for doubting them, even when your doubts are justified.

4. “Everyone else agrees with me”

This is a phrase that manipulators use to pit you against the world. It’s also known as the ‘bandwagon effect’, a psychological phenomenon where people do or think something mainly because others are doing it.

The manipulator uses this phrase to make you feel isolated or wrong for not agreeing with them. By implying that ‘everyone else’ shares their viewpoint, they’re attempting to pressure you into falling in line.

Interestingly, a study found that people are more likely to change their opinions if they believe they’re in the minority, showing just how effective this manipulation tactic can be.

5. “If you really loved me, you would…”

This phrase can touch the deepest corners of your heart. “If you really loved me, you would…” is emotional manipulation at its finest. It turns love into a bargaining chip, a tool to get what the manipulator wants.

They’re essentially implying that your love is conditional on your willingness to do something specific, which is an unfair and hurtful assumption.

Love isn’t about control or conditions; it’s about understanding, respect and mutual care.

So whenever you hear this phrase, remember that it’s not a reflection of your love, but rather their manipulative behavior.

6. “I was just joking”

I’ve had my fair share of encounters with this one.

In my past, there was this person who would often say hurtful things to me, only to brush it off with, “I was just joking.” It’s a handy phrase for manipulators because it allows them to disguise their insults or negative comments as humor.

If you get upset, they make it seem like you’re the one overreacting or not being able to take a joke.

This phrase can be incredibly damaging as it can make you question your own feelings and reactions, which is exactly what the manipulator is aiming for.

7. “You owe me”

Let’s get real for a second. This phrase, “You owe me,” can be a gut-punch. It’s raw, it’s dirty, and it’s a clear way someone can manipulate you.

Here’s why: it creates a sense of obligation. If someone keeps reminding you of past favors or good deeds they’ve done for you, it can feel like you’re in debt to them.

But here’s the truth – you’re not. Healthy relationships aren’t based on keeping score or holding favors over someone else’s head.

So if someone throws this phrase your way, it’s a red flag they’re trying to control the narrative and, ultimately, control you.

8. “It’s all your fault”

The blame game is a favorite of emotional manipulators, and the phrase “It’s all your fault” is their winning move. It’s a tactic they use to shift all responsibility for a problem onto you, making you feel guilty and deflecting any blame away from themselves.

This phrase is particularly damaging as it can lead to self-doubt and lower self-esteem.

Interestingly, a study found that people who often blame others are more likely to suffer from psychological distress and dissatisfaction, which suggests that this manipulative behavior can be as harmful to the manipulator as it is to the person they’re targeting.

9. “You always…” or “You never…”

Let’s not sugarcoat it, these phrases can be a real kick in the guts.

“You always…” or “You never…” are absolute statements that manipulators use to highlight your perceived flaws or mistakes. It’s a way for them to criticise you under the disguise of expressing their feelings. It’s raw, it’s unfair, and it can really sting.

But remember, nobody is perfect, everyone makes mistakes, and constant criticism is not constructive or healthy. These phrases are less about you and more about the manipulator’s attempts to undermine your confidence and gain control.

10. “I promise I’ll change”

And here’s the final sucker punch – “I promise I’ll change.”

This phrase often comes after a conflict or when the manipulator senses you’re pulling away. It gives you hope that things will be different, that they’ll become the person you want them to be.

But here’s the raw truth: if they were going to change, they would’ve done it by now without needing to make empty promises. Change comes from actions, not words.

So if this phrase keeps cropping up but their behavior remains the same, it’s a sign they’re trying to keep you hooked without making any real effort to change.