[Thread]

You have to ask yourself... How does a #Psychopath, a #Sociopath or a #Narcissist think? Outside of the box, usually. This is how they are able to manipulate others. They prey on any weakness they can identify. Sometimes that weakness is a loving & caring heart.

When you are a good person who sees the world though innocent eyes, you can fall into the trap of giving people the benefit of the doubt when your suspicions start itching. You tell yourself that they couldn't possibly have a sinister ulterior motive.

But, that could merely be a reflection of a part of yourself that you are projecting onto the other person. As someone who is sane, you don't want to imagine others as psychopaths and you certainly don't want to start pointing fingers without proof.

Don't let your guard down too much around people you have suspicions about. #SocialEngineering is a tactic used by manipulative people to obtain personal or sensitive information about you. Anything you say may be used against you, so be vigilant when you are being questioned.

How you are made to feel is extremely important. If you know you have done no wrong but are being made to feel guilt or responsibility, this should serve as red flag that something is wrong. Do not let someone make you doubt yourself when you know that you are innocent.

What these people want is power & control over someone else. It can come in many different forms, such as: psychological, physical, financial, emotional or sexual. These tactics are usually used frequently and constantly in order to gain the power & control they seek.

Name-calling, threats, intentional embarrassment, blame, guilt tripping, blackmail, judgement, inflexibility, isolation (from friends/family) and provocation can all potentially be signs of abuse and manipulation.

These people can come across as charming and may even be popular. Some are not so well practiced at keeping their calm. Observe the way they disagree. Are they calm, collect and proper? Or do things often escalate into rows?

Some see themselves as role model citizens but can overestimate their own self-importance, intelligence or power. This serves as a crack in their armour. They pretend to fit in. They try to act as "normal" as possible, but are far from it.

Often, responsibility is something they will refuse to own. They will outright refuse to admit that they are wrong. They may try to pass it off as an accident and attempt to manipulate others to avoid consequences.

The manipulation of your emotions and insecurities is something they thrive on. They want you to seem them as the victim. This is how they make you lower your guard. If achieved, they will recognise that vulnerability and will attempt to exploit you again in the future.

You may question your own sanity after an interaction. Some love to create drama and chaos. Through the provocation of an argument they may have been plotting to play the victim. They wreck havoc on others and then sit back and watch.

Always be aware of who you are talking to online and out in the world.

Don't hesitate to stop and ask yourself if you are talking to someone with underlying evil intent.

I hope this thread has been informative and helpful. Thank you for reading.