Don't be confused by what a manipulator is or isn't looking for. Simply by always feeling comfortable with your decisions, you'll be being yourself, not someone else's robot. Generally, when we're being manipulated, we feel vulnerable and subservient, and this generates a deep sense of unhappiness within us.
5. Skip the confrontation; learn to detect when a person is trying to stir up discord. Manipulators don't need a specific situation; they always find the perfect reason to create a mess and generate controversy. Instead of getting into an argument with a manipulator, learn to simply say "no" and point out clear facts. For example: Stay calm, rational, and shop pleasant when you say no. Don't try to increase discord by making faces or gestures. It's also important to keep your answers simple and friendly. Use your body language. Shake your head and say "no" to their face. Be polite. When a manipulator asks you to do something, say, "I'd love to, but I'm too busy."
Do not be victims of those who use love as a bargaining tool.
Ignore the emotional outbursts they may tell you. Some people cry, scream, and threaten to take their own lives. If someone you know suffers from disruptive behavior disorders, seek help from a mental health therapist. These disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and separation anxiety disorder, may contain manipulative elements, but they require special attention to overcome.
Listen to yourself. In all potential manipulation situations, it's very important to listen to yourself and how you feel about the situation. Do you feel oppressed, pressured, or forced to do things for that person that you'd rather not?
Be careful with people who frequently twist and distort facts.