Manipulative

Research shows we feel more comfortable around people who are vulnerable because they seem authentic. When we recognize someone as being inauthentic or "putting on airs", it makes us uncomfortable and we feel less connected to them.

This seems to come from a basis of trust.

It's not j...

If we encounter manipulative people using psychology to gain an unfair advantage, be upfront and honest without being hostile. Seek further clarity in their motives and goals and the underlying reasons.

We need to focus on trust, not the various tricks in the book, to earn respect. Trust i...

The root cause of our complicated behavior is not that we're bad people or manipulative. We're just afraid of how people would respond if our real intentions would be known.

• This fear can come from our childhood, if our caregivers gave us the impression that there wa...