How Do I Know If A Friend Is A Manipulator?
It often happens that people who are not true true friends ask you for help, or try to take advantage of you, but disappear when you need them.
It is not easy to identify a manipulator. Especially when we have always trusted him. Nevertheless, certain situations in this type of relationship are very characteristic and allow us to detect a negative friendship or an interested friend who can only hurt us.
Human beings are social and live within a society. Some people turn into true, trusted friends for life. But others are only looking for the benefits they can derive from the friendship we offer them.
This “friend” is only there if he needs something
This is a characteristic behavior of a completely self-interested false friendship. This person only appears when they need something and ask for it.
These could be fairly straightforward requests like lending a book or taking it somewhere. Or things that are much more complex to manage, like a loan of money.
Of course, you have to know how to help each other with friends. But if you see that this person is only coming to you to ask for these kinds of services, it’s best to set a limit or end the relationship if the situation goes too far.
This “friend” goes out with your friends but without you!
It makes sense to want all of our friends to get to know each other. But if a new acquaintance starts hanging out with your circle of friends without inviting you and even hiding, it could be a red flag!
It is nevertheless important to remain objective in the face of this situation. Indeed, one can quickly feel threatened or jealous for no real reason. Analyze this person’s behavior carefully before you walk away from them or dismiss them from your friends.
This “friend” takes advantage of your personal network
Some people approach us only to obtain personal information which they can then use for their own benefit. This behavior is quite fuzzy and we often don’t take it seriously enough.
The scenarios created by a manipulator are very diverse, and you must therefore remain very vigilant.
You can thus meet people who wish to access the data of your professional contacts for work or to obtain certain favors through your name. You might find yourself in a mess with those around you without even knowing what happened!
This “friend” always tells you no
A real friendship is sincere and selfless. But it is true that sometimes we need the help of a friend. To listen to us, to do us a favor… But if you find that a friend is never there for you, it is likely that this friendship is not so true.
This behavior is closely linked to the first point we discussed. Because a manipulator always needs us. He always asks us to do him a favor, but disappears when we need him!
Obviously, you shouldn’t see evil everywhere either. And to think that everyone we know is trying to manipulate or harm us. But it is better to be on guard to avoid unpleasant surprises with an interested friend.
