Manipulative behavior refers to actions that a person uses to gain influence or control over someone else. It can happen in close or casual relationships, but it is more common in closely formed relationships. Manipulators have common tricks they use to make you feel irrational and more likely to give in to their requests. Some common examples include guilt, complaining, comparing, lying, denying, feigning ignorance or innocence, blame, and mind games. Signs of manipulative behavior include lying, making excuses, blaming others, strategically sharing facts about themselves and withholding other truths, exaggeration, generalization, cruel humor, guilt and sympathy, and withdrawal. Manipulative tendencies may derive from cluster B personality disorders such as narcissistic, antisocial personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder). Manipulative behaviors typically exploit vulnerabilities such as low empathy, high narcissism, use of self-serving rationalizations, and an interpersonal style marked by high agency (dominance) and low communion (i.e. coldheartedness) ).

It is important to note that manipulation isnt always easy to spot and can be subtle. Some signs of a manipulative person may include persistent excessive attention, love, and flattery, persistence despite boundaries, time pressure, and more. Manipulative behavior can often form in childhood if someone learns early on that they cant get their needs met directly, they may have to source other ways to feel safe emotionally, physically, and beyond.