The 5 Worst Forms Of Manipulation People Do To Each Other

Written By:

Written By:

The Worst Forms Of Manipulation People Do To Each Other

Manipulation is sneaky, toxic, and all too common in how people treat each other. Let’s dive into the 5 worst forms of manipulation that can mess with your mind and emotions.

KEY POINTS

  • The worst forms of manipulation are those that unravel our sense of self, leaving us doubting our worth.
  • Whether it’s gaslighting, love bombing, or guilt-tripping, the goal is always the same: Control.
  • Once we recognize these tactics, we can reclaim our power and ignore the mind games.

Humans are hands-down the most social creatures on the planet. We can form alliances, fall in love, and share Netflix passwords, but we’re also skilled at creating confusion and chaos inside the minds of others. Psychologically speaking, what’s the worst thing someone can do to another person?

Here are five.

Related: 4 Damaging Effects Of Emotional Abuse And How To Heal

5 Worst Forms Of Manipulation People Do To Each Other

1. Gaslighting

Imagine someone slowly, methodically convincing you that your memory is faulty, your feelings are invalid, and your version of reality is completely off.

That’s gaslighting, the psychological manipulation where one person systematically sows doubt in the mind of another, making them question their own perception, memory, and even sanity.

Originating from the 1944 film Gaslight, where a husband manipulates his wife into believing she’s losing her mind, this tactic has become disturbingly common in toxic relationships.

It’s an insidious form of mental torture because it attacks the foundation of a person’s reality.

In extreme cases, a gaslighter can convince their victim that they’ve fabricated entire events, leading to deep emotional confusion and self-doubt. The victim might think, Did I really say that? Am I overreacting? You’re not.

Gaslighting is emotional manipulation at its worst because it slowly erodes self-trust—leaving a person dependent on the manipulator for their version of “truth.”

Gaslighting internal

2. Love Bombing

If gaslighting is the slow burn of manipulation, love bombing is the flashbang grenade. Love bombing is when someone showers you with excessive attention, affection, and praise in the early stages of a relationship to gain control.

It’s all heart-eye emojis and surprise visits with flowers at first, but the goal isn’t love—it’s control. Once you’re hooked on the dopamine rush, the love bomber starts pulling back, leaving you craving that affection like a phone addict searching for Wi-Fi.

This psychological tactic is commonly seen in abusive relationships or cult recruitment (yes, cults love bomb, too).

The manipulator sets up a cycle of intense highs and soul-crushing lows, creating an emotional rollercoaster that leaves the victim emotionally dependent and easy to control. A relationship that progresses too quickly is a red flag.

3. Guilt-Tripping

Guilt. It’s that awful feeling you get when you accidentally step on your dog’s paw or eat the last slice of pizza without asking. But in the hands of a manipulator, guilt becomes a weapon.

Emotional blackmail happens when someone uses guilt to force you into doing what they want, making you feel responsible for their happiness—or, more often, their misery.

Statements like “After all I’ve done for you…” or “If you loved me, you would…” are classic emotional blackmail lines. The goal? To trap you in a web of obligation, where your desire to avoid guilt makes you easier to control.

The manipulator subtly shifts blame onto you for their problems, ensuring you’re too tangled in guilt to see what’s really happening.

Related: 5 Sneaky Types Of Psychological Manipulation (And How To Fight Them)

4. Triangulation

Here’s a toxic relationship trick straight out of Mean Girls—triangulation. This occurs when someone brings a third party into a conflict or relationship dynamic to maintain control.

It’s like the manipulator is the director of their own soap opera, and everyone else is an unwitting cast member. Whether it’s pitting friends against each other or involving an ex in a current relationship, triangulation thrives on drama.

The genius (or evil) of triangulation is that it creates competition, jealousy, and confusion. Suddenly, instead of being upset with the manipulator, the victim is distracted by the third party, chasing after approval or validation.

Meanwhile, the manipulator sits back and watches the chaos unfold.

Triangulation is a favorite tactic of narcissists and high-conflict personalities because it destabilizes relationships and keeps everyone guessing.

Triangulation is a form of relational aggression meant to create a sense of unease and insecurity in the victim. And it feels like the perpetrator is creating drama from thin air.

5. Silent Treatment

Sometimes the worst thing someone can do is… absolutely nothing. The silent treatment may seem like a childish response to conflict, but it’s a devastating psychological weapon.

By refusing to communicate, the manipulator effectively “punishes” the victim, withholding attention and affection until the other person complies. It creates an emotional void where the victim is left to guess what went wrong, desperately seeking resolution.

Silent Treatment internal

The silent treatment works by exploiting our fundamental need for connection and social belonging. It sends the message that the victim is invisible, unworthy of attention, or not valued. Over time, this leads to feelings of rejection, loneliness, and low self-esteem.

Research shows that being ignored can activate the same brain regions associated with physical pain. In other words, the silent treatment hurts more than words ever could—because it’s the absence of any words at all.

Conclusion

The worst forms of manipulation are those that slowly unravel our sense of self, leaving us doubting our worth, our reality, or our relationships. Whether it’s gaslighting, love bombing, or emotional blackmail, the underlying goal is always the same: control.

Related: 10 Must-Watch Movies Featuring Devious Manipulators

But once we recognize these tactics for what they are, we can reclaim our power, assert our boundaries, and walk away from the mind games. In a world filled with manipulators, knowledge is your armor.

© Kevin Bennett, Ph.D., 2024

For more, check out Dr. Bennett’s TikTok @KevinBennettPhD and his podcast on danger, deception, and desire kevinbennettissnarling.buzzsprout.com

References:

Stern, R. (2018). The Gaslight Effect: How to Spot and Survive the Hidden Manipulation Others Use to Control Your Life. Harmony.

Archer, D. (2016). Red Flags: How to Spot Frenemies, Underminers, and Toxic People in Your Life. St. Martin’s Press.

Forward, S. (1997). Emotional Blackmail: When the People in Your Life Use Fear, Obligation, and Guilt to Manipulate You. HarperCollins.

Written By Kevin Bennett Ph.D.
Originally Appeared On Psychology Today
worst psychological things

— Share —

Published On:

Last updated on:

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

6 Signs of Crazy Making Behavior: Is Your Partner Messing with Your Mind?

Signs of Crazy Making Behavior: Are You Being Gaslighted?

If you have ever walked away from a conversation with your head spinning and feeling thoroughly confused, you might be dealing with crazy making behavior. Crazy making behavior is actually gaslighting’s sneaky cousin – something that makes you doubt your reality and second-guess yourself.

This is a type of emotional manipulation in relationships, which is often subtle and hard to pinpoint. However, over time, it takes a toll on your emotional and mental health, leaving your drained.

So, today we are going to talk about what is crazy making behavior, six signs manipulation in relationships, and how you can protect yourself from the emotional turmoil and chaos it creates.

Related:

Up Next

Is Your Daughter in a Controlling Relationship? 9 Ways to Help Her Break Free

Daughter in a Controlling Relationship? Things You Can Do

Have you ever had a very strong gut feeling that your daughter might not be in a healthy relationship? Or that she is in a relationship with a controlling boyfriend? Today we are going to talk about what you can do, when you have a daughter in a controlling relationship.

Yeah, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Bossy boyfriends sneakily isolate, manipulate and dim the light in the people they date. And if your daughter is dating someone like this, then it’s understandable how tough it can be to watch that.

However, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel – as her mother, you can help her break free from her controlling boyfriend. This isn’t about swooping in like a superhero; it’s about being smart, supportive, and steady.

First, let’s start with trying to understand who a controlling boyfriend

Up Next

8 Myths About Gaslighting Exposed: What You Really Need to Know

Myths About Gaslighting Exposed: What You Really Need to Know

Gaslighting is often misunderstood, and myths about gaslighting only adds to the confusion. Understanding this and trying to break down the most common misconceptions can help us uncover the truth about this manipulative behavior.

KEY POINTS

There’s a difference between casual phrases and patterns of manipulative behavior.

Gaslighting can have serious consequences and leave emotional and psychological pain.

Recognizing gaslighters can save you a lot of emotional pain and doubt.

It’s concerning how certain psychological terms can quickly become f

Up Next

6 Phases Of A Relationship With A Narcissist: The Emotional Rollercoaster

Relationship With A Narcissist Phases Of The Toxic Cycle

Being in a relationship with a narcissist can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, with each phase presenting new challenges and realizations. These phases of a narcissistic relationship leave you questioning your self-worth. Understanding these stages can help you navigate the ups and downs of a narcissistic relationship more effectively.

KEY POINTS

Narcissists may manipulate through observation and charm, creating a false sense of bonding.

These relationships have distinct phases, often involving a gradual, potentially traumatizing end.

Understanding these phases aids in healing and setting boundaries.

Up Next

10 Red Flags of a Vindictive Mother and How to Stay Strong

Red Flags of a Vindictive Mother and How to Stay Strong

So, who exactly is a “vindictive mother”? Well, it’s not just a mom who’s a little cranky or gives you the cold shoulder once in a while. We’re talking about those mothers who holds grudges, plays mind games, and never hesitates to make your life harder. Why? Because she can.

A vindictive mother is a malicious mother, who isn’t your regular parent—she is controlling, manipulative, and, at times, straight out cruel.

Do you feel like you have to walk on eggshells around her? If you answered yes, then chances are you have vindictive narcissist mother. So today we are going to explore what the signs of a toxic mum are and what you can do to handle her.

Related:

Up Next

Feeling Exhausted? 8 Signs of an Emotionally Draining Person to Look Out For

Signs of an Emotionally Draining Person to Look Out For

Have you ever hung out with someone and have left feeling like you just ran a 5k marathon without moving an inch? If you’re nodding along, this is just one of the many signs of an emotionally draining person.

These energy vampires are really talented when it comes to mentally exhausting you, even though you didn’t do anything but have a simple conversation.

Have there been times where you have felt completely wiped after a chat or hangout? Then maybe it’s time to figure out if you’re dealing with an emotionally draining person.

Today, we are going to talk about what is an emotionally draining person, the traits of an emotionally draining person and how to deal with an emotionally draining person.

Let’s start with what is an emotionally draining

Up Next

10 Toxic Communication Patterns That Are Secretly Destroying Your Relationship

Toxic Communication Patterns That Can Destroy Your Bond

Toxic communication patterns in relationships are like sneaky little termites—hard to spot at first but causing huge damage over time. These signs of unhealthy communication can quietly creep in and, before you know it, you’re stuck in a cycle of miscommunication, frustration, and emotional burnout.

The way you speak to each other is everything in a relationship, and if things aren’t being communicated clearly, things can go downhill pretty fast. And before you know it, your relationship is over, leaving you wondering what went wrong.

Today we are going to talk about ten toxic communication patterns, and what unhealthy communication in relationships look like.

Related: