Emotional manipulation is when someone preys on another person’s feelings to trigger guilt, fear, or obligation. If you think you’re being emotionally manipulated by a colleague or manager, try these five strategies to protect yourself. 
 
Trust your gut. If something feels off or an interaction leaves you with a lingering sense of discomfort, don’t dismiss your feelings. Your subconscious might be picking up subtle cues or inconsistencies that your conscious mind hasn’t yet processed.
 
Seek external perspectives. When in doubt, lean on trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends. Sharing your experiences and seeking feedback can provide a fresh perspective, helping you discern genuine intentions from manipulative tactics.
 
Practice emotional detachment. Try viewing the situation from a neutral standpoint. The goal is to maintain an emotional distance, allowing for a decision-making process that’s influenced by facts, not feelings.
 
Set boundaries. By defining and communicating which behaviors and interactions are acceptable and reasonable to you (and which aren’t), you set a standard for how you expect to be treated.
This tip is adapted from “Are You Being Emotionally Manipulated at Work?,” by Luis Velasquez
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