Do you ever notice how sometimes you feel slightly smaller after certain conversations? Not in physical sense, of course, but emotionally.
It’s like something gently deviated from your self-confidence, leaving you to interrogate your own value.
Well, here’s the thing.
Some people have a knife for it. They use phrases specially designed to disrupt your trust. And they do it so casual, maybe you don’t even realize the manipulation at work.
In our daily interactions, we must face some of those who are under these trust. They could be anywhere in our workplaces, our social circles or even our closest ties.
So if you have found yourself, “Why do I feel about talking to that person so little?” then stick around. We are going to examine seven expressions for the use of manipulative people to make you feel like that.
Remember that being aware of this tactics is the first step in strengthening your self-esteem and maintaining a valid personal brand that really reflects your potential.
After all, no one should have the strength to make you feel less.
1) “You are too sensitive”
Let’s start this one.
Have you ever expressed your feelings, only “You are too sensitive?” This phrase is a classic tactic used by manipulative people.
Here’s how it works.
When you respond to their inappropriate behavior or comments, they finger the scenario, which seems to be the problem with your sensitivity, not their actions.
It is a smart way to divert sin and make you a second feeling.
But remember this.
Your emotions are valid. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Just because someone finds uncomfortable when you express your feelings doesn’t mean you’re overheating.
Stand firmly in your truth, because maintaining emotional authenticity is important for a strong personal brand.
2) “I was just a joke”
Now this one is close to me at home.
A few years later, I had a partner who was constantly preparing engraves in my work during team meetings. When I finally called the courage to resist them, their protection was always “I was just a joke”.
Here is what I learned.
This phrase is often used as a disguised comments. By humor, they not only weaken you as their insulting words, but also create a situation where you perceive if you are criminal.
What I realized is that humor should never be at the expense of someone’s trust or self-esteem. If someone regularly uses this phrase after feeling small, it is a clear red flag of manipulative behavior.
Don’t let such “jokes” disrupt your self-esteem or tooth your personal brand. You have every right to raise your anxiety when “humor” passes the line disrespectful.
3) “You wouldn’t understand”
This phrase. It’s rough.
“You didn’t understand” a simple statement, but it is packed with an unspoken but strong message. It assumes that you are not so capable of being smart enough to be perceived what will be discussed.
Here’s what really happens.
Using this phrase, the manipulator is gently in place on a higher intellectual aircraft, creating an imbalance on your relationship dynamic. It is a way to establish a priority and a way to undermine your self-confidence.
But let’s do it.
Just because someone assumes that you don’t understand something doesn’t mean they’re right. This phrase is more about the need for a manipulator to feel the need to feel high from your real understanding.
So next time you hear ‘you did not understand’, remember that it is not a reflection of your intelligence or ability. You are smarter and stronger than they give you a loan.
And that’s something to be proud.
4) “If I were …”
We’ve all heard this one before.
“If I were …” is usually followed by an unsolicited advice or the interpretation of the verdict on your decisions. It’s a phrase that manipulators often use your actions to gently control or break your decision-making skills.
Here is the bondage.
This phrase is not a useful guidance. It is about imposing their views under the guise of good advice.
It is a way for them to feel that your choice is not good enough, causing you to interrogate your own judgment.
But trust me about this.
Your decisions are yours, and they are based on your experience, values and circumstances. Things that another person cannot fully understand.
You are a specialist in your life, not them. So next time someone starts a sentence “If you were …” remember that they are not and their prospect does not define for you.
5) “Everyone thinks like that too”
Let’s talk about this phrase.
“Everyone thinks like that too.” It is manipulative, and it is clogging on the fear of one of our basic human fears, social rejection.
When someone tells you that your opinion or action contradicts what everyone believes to feel insulated.
Here is something you may not know.
A study published in the magazine of personality and social psychology found that people are more likely to meet the group’s opinion when they think they are the only dissidents.
Manipulative people use this knowledge for their advantage using the phrases “Everyone, as always thinking” your beliefs will be questioned.
But here is the truth.
“Everyone” seldom thinks the same, and even if they did it, it doesn’t invalidate from your point of view. Your thoughts and opinions have value, even if they differ from a majority.
Remember that the variety of mind is not only healthy, but also necessary for growth and innovation. Your unique view contributes to your authentic personal brand.
Don’t let anyone feel different.
6) “You always …” or “You never …
These phrases can be a hard pill to swallow.
“You always …” or “you’re never …” often used by manipulative people to highlight your perceived shortcomings or mistakes.
These are absolutely statements that do not leave a place for discussion, and they can feel you that you are doing wrong.
However, let’s remember this.
No one is perfect. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and we all make mistakes. It makes us a man.
These expressions are less about your actual behavior and more about the manipulator’s experience, damaging your self-esteem.
So next time you hear “always …” or “You are never …” Go deeper about your value and don’t let these absolute statements shake your trust.
You are more than the sum of your mistakes or defects. You are someone who is constantly learning and growing, and it’s something to be proud.
7) “I don’t mean to be rude, but …”
This is great.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but …” Do you use the expression of manipulative people from “to get rid of prison?” It seems that they believe that an offensive interpretation of this statement is magically relieved to relieve them of any roughness.
This is what you need to remember.
This phrase does not make further comment less offensive or offensive. It’s just a manipulative tactic used to ignore honesty.
You have the right to demand respect in your interactions, and anyone who uses this phrase that can weaken you loyal to that standard.
So stand on your ground. Don’t let this thinly covered disrespectful attitude unresolved. Your self-esteem and trust is worth more than their empty justifications for rudeness.
Accepting your true self
If you recognize these phrases in your interactions, it is very important to understand. It’s not about you. The manipulative tactics of others reflect their insecurity and fears, not your value.
Here is the encouragement part. Awareness is a powerful catalyst for changes.
When you are aware of this dilapidating tactics, you can consciously choose not to allow them to influence your self-esteem. It is to define boundaries to stand up to your land and give you respect.
Let’s start with it.
Recognize when these phrases are used to weaken you. Notice how they make you feel. Pay attention when your interactions leave your value.
Now ask yourself. Does this equate my self-love? Does this interaction strengthen me or reduce me? Is this knowledge of true?
Remember, change is not obvious.
But perseverance and selfishness you can dismantle these dilapidating effects. Every time you confirm your value and reject manipulative expressions, you build stability and self-confidence.
In the end, when we respect our real identity and develop our inner strength, we become unacceptable experiences that make us feel small.
Accept this self-disclosure journey with kindness and patience.
You are stronger than you think, and no one has to make you feel small without your consent. Rest that truth when navigating with your interactions.
And doing so, you may discover authentic independent, which is high in its value, and the manipulative tactics of others.