Emotional manipulators often seek specific traits or vulnerabilities in their victims to exploit for their own benefit. Understanding these dynamics can help identify and protect against manipulation. Here are some common reasons why emotional manipulators choose certain people and what might lead them to stop being manipulative:
Empathy and Compassion: Manipulators may target individuals who are empathetic, caring, and compassionate. These traits make it easier for the manipulator to appeal to the victim's emotions and guilt trip them into compliance.
Low Self-Esteem: Those with low self-esteem are more susceptible to emotional manipulation because they may doubt their own judgment and seek validation from others. Manipulators exploit this vulnerability to maintain control over their victims.
Fear of Conflict: People who avoid confrontation and conflict are more likely to succumb to emotional manipulation, as they may give in to the manipulator's demands rather than risk a confrontation.
Desire for Approval: Manipulators prey on individuals who crave approval and validation from others. They use praise, compliments, and flattery to gain control and maintain their influence.
Isolation: Manipulators may target individuals who are socially isolated or lack strong support networks. The absence of close friends or family members can make it easier for the manipulator to exert control over the victim's life.
Trusting Nature: Individuals who tend to trust others easily can be more susceptible to manipulation. Manipulators exploit this trust to deceive and take advantage of their victims.
As for why manipulators might stop being manipulative once they've chosen their victim, several factors could come into play:
Control and Dominance: Once a manipulator gains sufficient control over their victim, they may feel less inclined to manipulate further as they already have the upper hand.
Fear of Exposure: Manipulators might be wary of overplaying their hand and being exposed for their manipulative tactics. They may fear that their victim will become aware of the manipulation and take action against them.
Changing Goals: Manipulators' goals may shift over time. Once they've achieved their primary objective (e.g., gaining control, obtaining what they wanted), they may have less incentive to continue manipulating.
Empathy Fatigue: Emotional manipulators might experience empathy fatigue or burnout, especially if they're consistently using emotional tactics to manipulate their victims. This could lead them to ease off the manipulation.
It's important to note that emotional manipulators can be persistent and might not stop their behavior entirely. They may adjust their tactics or find other ways to maintain control over their victims. If you suspect that you or someone you know is being emotionally manipulated, seeking support from friends, family, or a professional counselor can be essential in breaking free from the manipulation and establishing healthy boundaries.