Is Being TOO NICE Manipulative?

 

Is Being TOO NICE Manipulative?  So sorry for bringing up this quite controversial question that may ignite more questions than answers.  BUT given all the technologies and with social media incessantly creeping into our daily lives, this is worth our discussion at least for today's piece.  I stumbled across this research WHICH examined HOW different groups use that 'participatory culture' of the internet to turn strengths into vulnerabilities, WHICH ultimately threatens expressive freedoms.  BUT before I get whacked here, we're here NOT for witch-hunting BUT more to increase our awareness for those NOT so obvious perils and risks brought about by this never-ending creeps of social media into our lives💚💛💜

NOT to be nitpicking, maybe it's worth it for us to exchange notes HOW to possibly detect and identify those 'RED FLAGS' that will lead us towards a manipulation [WHICH is either happening OR brewing].  LIKE WHEN you receive compliments and praise BUT it feels 'OVER THE TOP'.  True, at first glance, excessive praise can indeed feel that flattering.  However, people WHO layer on the compliments too thickly might be doing it as a way to win one's trust quickly.  Those are the moments WHEN we would feel that 'special'  BUT for someone NOT manifesting things in 'good faith', it could be a tactic to lower your defenses so they can manipulate you later much easier [heard of someone worming him/herself to you and much later, he/she approaches you to seek for a short-term loan?]???

WHAT TO WATCH OUT?  Pay attention as to WHETHER 'that' OR 'this' compliments feel genuine OR forced?  And if they seem to be overly flattering, especially in a relationship that is at its infancy stage, BE CAUTIOUS.  LIKE WHEN someone showers you with attention, be incisive if the 'hidden agenda' is to WIN YOUR TRUST as those individuals often make you feel like the CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE initially.  And they will go out of their way to give you all the attention BUT be wary if that is a 'calculated move'.  Over time, that attention may become inconsistent OR worse, even controlling, as their true motives beging to unravel.  WHAT TO WATCH OUT?  Notice if that attention fades once they feel they have gained your trust, OR if they become upset WHEN you set boundaries, ouch😡😡😡

LIKE WHEN one frequently 'plays the victim', one of the clearest signs of manipulation is WHEN someone constantly plays that kind of plight.  You would hear endless 'SOB STORIES' to gain your sympathy and even your emotional investment, making it hard for you to hold them accountable for their actions.  WHAT TO WATCH OUT?  Be wary WHEN they deflect responsibility for an issue, finding a way to shift blame unto others. That's their 'victimhood' goal, ouch❎❎❎

Our takeaway:  The NICE and GOOD things manifested come in various shapes and forms.  And much as we humans have that common weakness for praises and compliments, NOT to be skeptical OR cynical, it behooves that we are able to discern those GENUINE acts versus the NOT-SO GENUINE acts [before we fall prey if such acts end up as semblances of being manipulative!!!