Manual to spot bad people, cause most won't see it coming.
Covert manipulation in a few simple steps:
1. Create doubt and foster insecurity
1. Provide support + relief through control
1. Gently undermine constantly
1. Defer, deny, play dumb
1. Blame, say they are manipulating you
1. Attack
1. Repeat
Step 1 is a long game. Never be impatient in your manipulation or you'll give it away.
Step 2 applies to your victim, but especially to their friends. Have low energy around them, act like they're hard work. Always say you're drunk and need to go home, it's exhausting pretending and you'll apply extra guilt. Your victim should always feel as guilty as possible.
Step 2 sets them up for catastrophic defeat, as you'll be able to can hurt them the most when they are vulnerable and trusting.
Step 4 can be done with anger, but you risk giving everything away. Best to pretend you are wounded.
The attack phase is when you let loose. The goal is to feel powerful, and to push them to see what you can make them do. Like every manipulator knows, this is the climax, the best part, all your hard work wearing your victim down come to fruition. Just remember, even your anger is a mask.
Try not to laugh during the attack phase. It's really easy to do because you're having the time of your life. If you do, tell them you're laughing at them or the situation. NEVER laugh around someone who knows what you are, you'll give yourself away immediately.
Smarter victims are better because you can turn their minds against them, and the victory feels stronger. However, you must repeat steps 1 and 2 a few times before reaching step 3, as proof that you are not "always doing this".
Acquire authority. The crew cannot question the captain. Surround yourself with people who do not see what you are.
Always keep them fragile, confused, paranoid and waiting. They must doubt their confidence, memory and judgement.
Make them believe that nothing happened, and if it did, it's there fault for both starting and rembering.
Never let anything go (but pretend you are very forgiving). Remember, you're essentially attacking them for all of your own flaws, to hide in plain sight.
Make appearances to be generous and charitable, and remind everyone at every opportunity. On the inside you will be frugal, hoarding everything for yourself, but let no one see this.
Remember, the king has to say they are the king.
Attack directly after losing control. Power is your business: they give you vulnerability and you give them control. If they behave independently, tear them down completely.
When you attack, find a way to make them "throw the first punch". One effective approach is to bully them into making a statement ("is that what you're actually saying?"). When they do this you can go right in for the kill, and you will always be in the right.
The more you practise, the more you can convince them you're a real person.
# Helpful Phrases
Say these jokingly at first, then repeat. The more you say them, the harder it is to fight back.
- I can't believe you would say that
- Well you would say that, wouldn't you
- I'm not always doing this, I didn't do it at X time
- You clearly only care about yourself
- I pity you
- Nobody else would put up with this
- Don't be stupid / don't be annoying [if you can say either of these, you have them for life]
- I know what you're doing
- That really hurts me
- I never said I was perfect
- You're one to talk [never be specific here]
- Is that your tactic here?
- Why are you always playing games?
# Top 5 traits you want your victim to feel
- Helpless, confused, angry, exhausted
# Notes
- have something that makes you vulnerable. A dodgy knee, anything. Something doctor diagnosed is even better. You'll have a great time pretending how hard done by you are.
- The big risk is becoming what you pretend to be. This is the eventual downfall of all manipulators. Before this happens to you, make sure you have a victim you can control completely.
- Always refuse to give
+ humour, subtle jokes
+ don't be too OTT
"Always refuse to give ground. It will make your tiny, tactical offerings seem more generous and noble."
