10 Psychological Tricks People Use to Manipulate You Daily

Have you ever felt like someone was subtly controlling you without you realizing it?

Manipulation is more common than we think and happens in various ways, often so subtly that it flies under our radar.

From emotional tactics to cognitive strategies, manipulators can influence our decisions and emotions, sometimes leaving us feeling confused or powerless.

In this article, we’ll explore ten common psychological tricks used for manipulation, how they work, and ways to recognize and resist them.

1. Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a harmful form of manipulation that makes someone question their own memory, perceptions, or even sanity.

It happens when someone denies events, twists the truth, or spreads false information to create confusion and self-doubt.

Example:

A partner might say, “I never said that. You’re just imagining things.”

Why it’s effective

Gaslighting breaks down a person’s confidence, making them doubt themselves.

Over time, this can lead to dependence on the manipulator for what feels “real” or “true.”

How to protect yourself:

Document conversations: Write things down or keep messages for reference.
Trust your gut: If something feels off, don’t ignore that feeling.
Seek support: Talk to trusted friends, family, or a counselor who can offer perspective and reassurance.

By staying aware and confident in your experiences, you can guard yourself against this damaging behavior.

2. Guilt-Tripping

Guilt-tripping is a way of making someone feel guilty to pressure them into doing something.

Instead of directly asking for what they want, the person uses guilt to manipulate your actions.

Example:

“After everything I’ve done for you, you’re seriously going to say no?”

Why it works

Guilt-tripping takes advantage of your empathy and your natural desire to avoid upsetting or disappointing others.

How to handle it

Recognize the tactic: Notice when someone is using guilt to influence you.
Set clear boundaries: Politely but firmly say no if something doesn’t feel right.
Focus on your needs: Remember that prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

By staying aware and standing your ground, you can respond without being controlled by guilt.

3. Love Bombing

Love bombing happens when someone overwhelms you with excessive affection, compliments, or gifts to gain your trust and loyalty quickly.

This behavior is often seen in manipulative relationships or controlling groups.

Example:

“You’re the most incredible person I’ve ever met. I can’t believe I found you.”

Why it works

Love bombing creates a strong emotional connection and can make you feel obligated to reciprocate.

It also fosters dependency on the person showering you with attention.

How to protect yourself

Watch for red flags: Be cautious of over-the-top gestures, especially early in a relationship.
Focus on consistency: Pay attention to their behavior over time instead of being swayed by big displays.
Trust your instincts: If something feels rushed or overwhelming, it’s okay to take a step back.

Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and steady trust, not grandiose gestures. Take your time to evaluate the person’s intentions.

4. Playing the Victim

Playing the victim is when someone portrays themselves as helpless or wronged in order to gain sympathy or avoid taking responsibility for their actions.

Example:

“I’m struggling so much, and no one cares about me.”

Why it works

This tactic taps into your compassion and can make you feel guilty or obligated to help or excuse their behavior.

How to handle it

Acknowledge their feelings: It’s okay to empathize with their struggles, but don’t feel responsible for fixing everything.
Encourage responsibility: Support them in taking ownership of their situation and finding solutions.

Healthy relationships involve both people taking responsibility, so it’s important not to let someone manipulate your emotions by playing the victim.

5. Triangulation

Triangulation is when someone brings a third person into a situation to create conflict or manipulate relationships.

This tactic is used to cause confusion or stir up problems between people.

Example:

“So-and-so agrees with me that you’re being unreasonable.”

Why it works

Triangulation makes you feel isolated and insecure by using other people’s opinions to back up the manipulator’s point of view.

How to handle it

Address the manipulator directly: Focus on communicating with the person who’s creating the conflict, rather than getting caught up in the opinions of others.
Stay out of drama: Don’t let the manipulator pull you into unnecessary conflicts.

By staying calm and addressing the situation head-on, you can prevent triangulation from affecting your relationships.

6. Projection

Projection happens when someone attributes their own thoughts, feelings, or actions to someone else.

Instead of taking responsibility, they try to shift the blame.

Example:

“You’re being so selfish,” even though they are the one acting selfishly.

Why it works

Projection distracts from the manipulator’s behavior and puts the other person on the defensive, making it harder for them to address the real issue.

How to handle it

Don’t take it personally: Recognize that these accusations are a way for the other person to avoid responsibility.
Stay objective: Focus on the facts of the situation and not the emotional reactions being projected onto you.

By staying grounded and responding calmly, you can avoid being manipulated by projection.

7. Hoovering

Hoovering is when someone tries to pull you back into a relationship after you’ve attempted to distance yourself.

It’s like they’re trying to “vacuum” you back in.

Example:

“I can’t live without you. I promise things will change.”

Why it works

Hoovering takes advantage of your emotional vulnerability and the hope that the situation will improve.

It plays on your desire for change.

How to handle it

Set clear boundaries: Be firm about your decision to distance yourself and stick to it.
Don’t give in to emotional please: Avoid getting caught up in promises of change without seeing real, consistent action.

By maintaining your boundaries and focusing on what’s best for your well-being, you can protect yourself from being sucked back into unhealthy dynamics.

8. Moving the Goalposts

Moving the goalposts is when someone keeps changing the expectations so that no matter how much you do, it’s never enough.

This tactic makes you feel like you’re constantly failing or always falling short.

Example:

“You did that, but why didn’t you also do this?”

Why it works

This tactic creates a feeling of inadequacy and keeps you dependent on the manipulator’s approval, making it hard to feel like you’re ever doing things right.

How to handle it

Set clear expectations: Be specific about what is expected and communicate those boundaries upfront.
Hold them accountable: Remind the manipulator of what was previously agreed upon and don’t let them change the terms on you.

By sticking to clear agreements and refusing to accept constantly shifting standards, you can protect yourself from this kind of manipulation.

9. Stonewalling

Stonewalling is when someone refuses to communicate or shuts down a conversation to avoid addressing issues or to punish the other person.

Example:

Giving the silent treatment or refusing to participate in a discussion.

Why it works

Stonewalling frustrates the other person and puts the manipulator in control, making it difficult to resolve conflicts.

How to handle it

Stay calm: Don’t react emotionally or try to force communication.
Set a time for discussion: Let them know you’re open to talking but need to set a time to have a productive conversation.
Maintain composure: Keep your emotions in check and don’t chase after engagement.

By staying patient and sticking to boundaries, you can avoid being manipulated by stonewalling.

10. Foot-in-the-Door Technique

The foot-in-the-door technique is when someone starts by asking for a small favor and then gradually increases their demands.

It’s a way of getting you to agree to something bigger than you initially planned.

Example:

“Can you help me with this quick task?” which later turns into a much larger responsibility.

Why it works

Once you agree to a small request, you’re more likely to say yes to bigger ones in order to stay consistent with your previous agreement.

How to handle it

Be aware of escalating requests: Recognize when the initial small favor is leading to bigger demands.
Evaluate each request independently: Take time to consider whether each new request is something you’re comfortable with before agreeing.

By being mindful and setting limits, you can prevent being caught in a cycle of escalating demands.