Do you like being manipulated?
Of course not, but more often than not, you don't even know it's happening.
I've been on the end of manipulation thousands of times—my children are great at it.
But, the most prominent occurrence was when I was the Vice President of Acquisitions, buying expensive assets for large commercial aircraft. Sellers would distort information to try to manipulate me into making a buying decision. There's even been a few cases of fraud over the years.
The best way to defend against manipulation is to know the ways people manipulate and how to protect yourself from such attacks:
Gaslighting: Manipulators try to distort the truth to make you doubt your memory of events. You can also add "Factual Lies."
Flattery: Manipulators will use excessive praise or compliments to make you feel valued and to gain your trust. Always be skeptical of excess flattery.
Isolation: Manipulators will try to limit your access to information, resources, or social support to make you more vulnerable and dependent.
Emotional blackmail: Manipulators will threaten to punish or harm you in some way if you don't comply with their demands. Always control your emotions.
Triangulation: Involves bringing a third party into a relationship to create tension or competition, often to gain control or influence.
Projection: Manipulators will try to use your negative traits or behaviors against you, often to deflect blame or avoid responsibility.
Passive-aggressive behavior: Manipulators use indirect or subtle tactics to express their anger, frustration, or resentment, often to avoid confrontation or responsibility.
The best ways are the simplest: Know yourself, control your emotions, and always seek additional information.