There are toxic people all around us and the sooner we realize that the better. When it comes to telling the difference between those who are by your side for their own gain and those who truly care for you, not much effort is needed.
Manipulative people will go out of their way to try and make you think that the things you do for them and the things they gain from you are not negotiable, but they are. You are your own person and you do not have to do anything you are not comfortable with doing. If you are feeling used then there is most likely a reason for it.
Manipulative people come in all shapes and sizes. They can be your neighbors, parents, cousins, best friends, or even just someone you know at work. If someone is always getting things from you or wasting your time and leaving you feeling unimportant, they are manipulators.
If you have to question it then you already know that they are people you shouldn’t be allowing as close as you are. When your own well-being falls through the cracks you need to make changes. Below I am going to go over some of the best tips for cutting this manipulation off and working on yourself, these should all be taken to heart.
9 Tips For Stopping Manipulators In Their Tracks:
1. Stop saying ‘yes’ all the time.
Know when and how to say ‘no.’ You do not have to agree to do things for these people all the time, there is nothing wrong with putting your foot down. You are your own person and you are the one in charge of your life.
2. Reinforce your own rights.
You should know your rights and you should be reinforcing those. You do not have to do things that make you feel bad and you do not have to let your own needs fall behind. You are a person and you matter just as much as everyone else does.
3. Do not allow them to make you feel bad.
Just because you say no doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. You have your reasons and they can get over it. Manipulative people love to guilt trip others into giving in and you should hold your own above all else.
4. Distance yourself from this person/these people.
If manipulative people refuse to change you need to cut them off. The more distance you put between the two of you the better. Those who wish to use you or bring you down should hold no space in your life.
5. Speak your mind as open as possible.
Do not let these manipulative people speak over you, your words matter. Use your mind to get things clear and let it all out. You will feel much better after all is said and done.
6. Question everything in regards, period.
There is nothing wrong with questioning those who are trying to manipulate you. Why are they always needing things from you and why won’t they do for themselves? Are you doing too much? You know the answers, just find them and go from there.
7. Trust your own judgment.
If your mind is telling you that there is something wrong, you need to listen to your mind. Our subconscious picks up on a lot more than we do at first glance. You already know the truth but need to be more willing to see it.
8. Focus on your own wellbeing.
Your wellbeing matters and you should never compromise that to help others. Sure, you can do for those who are willing to do for you but do not get stuck in one-sided caretaking. You need to be comfortable in this life, period.
9. Ignore their complaints.
People who manipulate others complain a lot. Do not let these things get to you. The more you say no the louder they will become, stand your ground.