This article was co-authored by Allison Broennimann, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Dr. Allison Broennimann is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice based in the San Francisco Bay Area providing psychotherapy and neuropsychology services. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Broennimann specializes in in-depth psychotherapy to provide solution-focused treatments for anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, adjustment problems, traumatic stress, and phase-of-life transitions. And as part of her neuropsychology practice, she integrates depth psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation for those recovering after traumatic brain injury. Dr. Broennimann holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an MS and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University. She is licensed by the California Board of Psychology and is a member of the American Psychological Association.
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Dealing with manipulative individuals is both exhausting and hurtful. Tactics like gaslighting can make you question your sense of reality, while other manipulative tricks can leave you feeling guilty and anxious.[1] In many ways, ignoring a manipulative partner, friend, or loved one can seem like the best way to escape their grasp—but this can also send the manipulator into overdrive. We’ll walk you through everything you need to expect and know, including what manipulators do after being ignored, and how you can deal with this individual once and for all.
Things You Should Know
- An ignored manipulator may respond with aggressive behavior, like launching a smear campaign against you or calling and texting you frequently.
- Alternatively, an ignored manipulator might try to get your friends or family involved in the conflict or guilt-trip you into contacting them.
- Cut ties with a manipulator by stating your intentions directly with a quick explanation.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
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Dealing with a manipulative person in your life can be challenging, even after they’ve left your orbit. Meeting with a therapist can be a great way to unpack your experiences as you begin to learn and heal from them.Thanks
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about manipulative relationships, check out our in-depth interview with Allison Broennimann, PhD.
References
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/signs-manipulation-in-relationships#signs
- ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/narcissist-smear-campaign/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/guilt-trip#guilt-trip-meaning
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/coercive-control
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-self/2019/10/triangulation-and-narcissism#1
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-in-the-age-narcissism/202102/lying-die-why-narcissists-may-lie-about-their-health
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/other-types/physical-abuse
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/other-types/emotional-and-verbal-abuse
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/signs-manipulation-in-relationships#causes
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/signs-manipulation-in-relationships#can-they-change
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/signs-manipulation-in-relationships#How-to-protect-yourself
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/want-to-feel-more-connected-practice-empathy-2021022221992
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/tactics-manipulators-use-to-win-and-confuse-you#how-to-avoid-manipulation
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/relaxation-technique/art-20045368
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-stress/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/tactics-manipulators-use-to-win-and-confuse-you#how-to-avoid-manipulation
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/signs-manipulation-in-relationships#can-they-change
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/tactics-manipulators-use-to-win-and-confuse-you#how-to-avoid-manipulation
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/breaking-up-with-a-narcissistic-personality#how-to-do-it
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/i-hear-you/201807/4-ways-deal-manipulative-people
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stress-fracture/202206/why-do-people-manipulate
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stress-fracture/202206/why-do-people-manipulate
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-to-spot-manipulation#causes-of-manipulative-behavior
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communication-success/201406/how-to-spot-and-stop-manipulators
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/coping-with-what-you-cant-control
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/signs-manipulation-in-relationships#causes