I think everyone manipulates others to an extent. Whether for control of others or for professional gain we are all guilty. I have had my share of people who have tried to manipulate me.
As I have matured I have learned not to play their game.
My ex-husband’s third wife thought that if she was nasty enough to me that I would believe her lies and do what she wanted. I didn’t buckle under. I remember one night when she sent me one text message after another that were cruel and hateful. I merely told her that I was deleting the messages and if she continued I would block her number. She is a real piece of work to say the least.
There have been people who have tried to manipulate me by buying things for me or by giving me money. I appreciate people who are generous with me. That does not mean I am owned by them though. There is a difference.
Lately I have learned a very cunning reponse to those who manipulate. I don’t respond immediately. I wait and think clearly about my response, making sure I am not in “Flight or Fight” mode and then I respond with intelligence.
Those who are intelligent respond appropriately and even though I believe the intent was to manipulate, the manipulation loses all of its power because it was met with wisdom.
Sometimes I have mistaken someone’s intent and after some reflection I have come to an unlikely conclusion. They never intended to manipulate, so the discourse turns out quite positive.
The most important part of my response is prayer. I take my response to God before I react. I ask Him to temper my anger if I am offended and to search my heart for any offense before I respond. Then I usually have the response I need. One which will shred to pieces any attempt to manipulate me.
If God is in control of my life, I need not suffer those who attempt to manipulate me, for manipulation is rooted in control.
I think of all of the things which I have accomplished in life, learning how to trump manipulative people is one which may not only benefit me but also them. For if they are unsuccessful with manipulating me they may be forced to not only be honest with me but with themselves also.
