4 signs you're being manipulated — and how to stop it

• Manipulation is a deceptive tactic that people employ to accomplish their own ends.
• Signs of psychological manipulation include lying or other forms of deception, appealing to fear, and establishing a power imbalance.
• It’s important to recognize the signs of manipulation and use appropriate measures to combat it. Here’s how.

Psychological manipulation is any action that’s designed to help someone accomplish their own agenda through deceptive or otherwise shady tactics. It usually involves creating a power imbalance within the relationship or interaction — and isn’t all that uncommon.

“Most of us have to deal with it on a regular basis, from untrustworthy relationships to commercial advertising and political rhetoric,” said Preston Ni, communication coach, professor of communication studies at Foothill College, and author of "How to Successfully Handle Manipulative People.”

The pervasiveness of manipulation can make it difficult to distinguish from persuasion. But there is a key difference, Ni said. “Healthy social influence occurs between most people, and is part of the give-and-take of constructive relationships. In psychological manipulation, one person is used for the benefit of another.”

To help you figure out if you’re being manipulated, here are four signs it’s happening to you (and ways to stop it):

SEE ALSO: 5 signs that you're dating a manipulator

1. Their case is overstated

Exaggeration is a common trick used by manipulators, Ni explained in a post in Psychology Today. If you aren’t comfortable with a direct approach, you can counteract this attempt at manipulation by focusing on the facts, as well as asking for more information and sources, he wrote.

2. The primary focus is on fear

Some manipulators resort to scare tactics to get others to go along with their plan, Ni told Business Insider. This could involve anything from saying things that play into a fear of rejection or monetary losses to threats of bodily harm or backlash if the other person goes against their wishes.

This can create a heightened sense of danger, so it may make sense to use less direct methods to de-escalate the situation, like finding a way to end the conversation or, if possible, moving to a more public location.

3. The power imbalance is a big part of the discussion

Though this is less subtle than other manipulation tactics, Ni said it’s not uncommon for a manipulator to attempt to establish control over the situation by constantly reminding others of their own importance and power.

This helps them seem more dominant while putting the other person at a disadvantage. It can help to respond by asserting your own importance, thereby leveling the playing field.