Don’t Fall for It! 5 Phrases Covert Manipulators Use to Control You

Manipulators are experts at deception, using their craft of manipulating people’s emotions to their advantage without taking into consideration any notion of fairness. They create a kind of artfulness, albeit a disturbing one, as they carefully and thoughtfully craft their deceptions. Insidiousness is also often at play in order to cause harm without being easily detected until it is too late, making manipulation all the more dangerous for its victims. Ultimately, manipulators care only about what they can get from others and do not hesitate to take advantage of this ability with no regard for the effects it may have on those involved.

Here are 5 phrases manipulators say to make you feel crazy

“You are overthinking”

Manipulators can be a tricky and intimidating force in any social situation. They often use psychological tactics to make their victims feel crazy, such as telling them they are overthinking. When they say this, it is designed to invalidate the feelings of their victims, leading them to doubt their own instincts and decisions. The implication is that the victim is exaggerating their problems or imagining difficulties that do not exist. This effectively deflects attention away from any wrongdoing on part of the manipulator, providing an easy out for them while making the victim feel insignificant and silly.

In reality, no one should have to question their emotions or succumb to pressure from another person in order to make a decision. Everyone has a right to determine what is best for themselves without outside interference or manipulation. Therefore, when a manipulator attempts to tell someone they are “overthinking” something, victims must remain confident in knowing that their thoughts are valid and ought to be respected by everyone else around them.

“It’s all in your head.”

When manipulators say “it’s all in your head,” they are attempting to make their victims feel crazy and to invalidate their feelings. This phrase speaks to the psychological tactic of making someone doubt their own perceptions and instincts in order to gain control. It implies that what the victim is feeling or perceiving is simply a figment of their imagination and not based on reality.

In some cases, this type of manipulation can cause serious emotional damage as it leads victims to question their own instincts and logic. Instead of listening to their gut, they will be left doubting themselves and ultimately questioning the validity of any emotion or thought that comes up for them. It is important for people who are in these situations to remain calm, confident, and true to themselves despite any outside pressures attempting to make them feel otherwise. Everyone has a right to determine what is best for them without invalidation or manipulation from another person.

“You must be making this up.”

Manipulators often attempt to make their victims feel crazy by telling them that they must be making things up. This phrase implies that someone is exaggerating or fabricating a problem in order to gain attention. It further implies that the victim’s emotions are invalid and should not be taken seriously.

This type of manipulation can have serious repercussions on a person’s self-confidence, as it leads them to doubt their own emotions and experiences. They may become hesitant to trust their own instincts and conclusions, leading them to neglect their emotional needs in favor of relying solely on what others say.

It is important for people who are being manipulated in this way to recognize that they have the right to stand firm in their beliefs and feelings despite any outside pressures attempting to make them feel otherwise. Everyone has the right to determine what is best for themselves without interference or manipulation from another person.

“You’re just too sensitive.”

When manipulators use the phrase “you’re just too sensitive”, they are attempting to make their victims feel crazy and invalidate their emotions. This phrase implies that someone is overreacting and that their feelings should not be taken seriously.

This type of manipulation can lead people to become hesitant to open up about how they really feel, as it implies that anything they express emotionally is seen as too much or undeserved. It can also cause them to doubt themselves and their own emotional responses, leading them to neglect their own needs in order to appease those of others.

It is important for people in these situations to stand firm in their beliefs and feelings despite any outside pressures attempting to make them feel otherwise. Everyone has the right to determine what is best for themselves without interference or manipulation from another person.

“Maybe you don’t understand after all.”

Manipulators often attempt to make their victims feel invalidated or stupid by saying “maybe you don’t understand after all.” This phrase implies that the person’s opinions or thoughts are wrong and should not be taken seriously.

This type of manipulation can leave people feeling disempowered and frustrated, as it implies that they are not capable of understanding a situation on their own. It can also cause them to become hesitant to voice their opinions at all, as they may fear being told again that they do not comprehend the subject matter.

It is important for people in these situations to recognize their own worth and intelligence. Everyone has the right to express their thoughts without interference or manipulation from others.

Final thought

If you have been a victim of manipulation, it is important to remember that there is nothing wrong with you. Manipulation can be damaging and leave you feeling hurt and filled with self-doubt. It is essential to recognize that the person manipulating you is the one with the problem, not you.

You have a right to your own feelings, opinions, boundaries and decisions without interference or manipulation from someone else. Remember who you are and find strength in knowing that your emotions are valid and justified. Reach out for help if needed but never doubt yourself or let someone make you feel less than what you are worth.