Q&A for How to Manipulate People

Study the the way the movie actors utilize facial expressions and vocal tone to express their emotions.

Pay attention to their behavior. If they are shifty, appear nervous or different around you, fidget, or show signs of discomfort, they are probably lying or have recently lied to you. Be observant.

Maybe you can try telling them how much of an inspiration they are to you and how you believe in them. Make them feel special enough to the extent that they actually start to believe it themselves. You can also tell them about other people who have been in similar situations as them and succeeded somehow.

First, you make them feel good about themselves by complimenting them, then you make them feel like they would be even more amazing if they would do this one thing for you. If they are narcissistic, they will probably have a big ego (which is their weak spot), so to manipulate them you've got to take advantage of that.

Don't manipulate someone who knows how to manipulate others; they'll see through whatever you try to do. It's not worth trying unless you're the type of person who doesn't need to ask how to manipulate people. In order to manipulate a manipulator, you need to be a natural at this, simply reading a wikiHow won't teach you that. It takes a natural ability to manipulate combined with years of practice.

Give examples of the bad actions you think that this person has done. Explain to her what sorts of negative effects will come into play if she keeps associating with this person. Ask her what she thinks of the things you're pointing out and if she wants such manipulative behavior to be impacting her life.

That makes it easier because then you don't have to create the illusion of you being the model son. Use it to your advantage that you're always a good person.

Sharing your target's interest or hobbies is a good option. People like to be friends with others that they can relate to. You can be similar to them in a number of ways besides hobbies as well, such as fashion sense, the way they speak, slang they use, etc. Don't be too obvious about imitating them, though.

You should talk about something/someone he cares about and then bring up a scenario in which that thing would be damaged or hurt if they don't do what you want. Be subtle though.

If they're younger, try to make them see you as a good example, use reverse psychology, or make them feel like they will be rewarded, but they won't.

Be logical, understand that you can't help anyone properly unless they want it. You need to plant a seed in his head on why this destructive and the eventual consequence of drug-addiction is death. If he hates talking to you, try to reassure him you love him and won't judge him.

According to most moral beliefs, it is. Psychologically playing people into getting and/or doing things for you is generally thought of as wrong and should be used very, very sparingly and only for very important reasons. That said, some people can't or don't care about common social standards, and may view manipulation as a perfectly viable behavior.

Not sure why you'd want the 'love' of such a person. Sociopaths don't really love. They could like you a lot, or they could find you useful enough to stick around. Many sociopaths will like and/or respect a person who can just handle them and keep up with them without being bothered by anything they say or do. They are always looking to manipulate and get negative reactions out of people, and they can have a certain respect for people that doesn't work on.

Tell someone who has the authority to stop it: police, childcare services, etc.

Show them that you've changed and that you are not the same person.

A real talk would be best for this situation. Explain why you think it's best she leave. In a situation like this, manipulating her might backfire and alienate her from you.

You could use reverse psychology. Most people don't bend so easily, so it will be much harder to get them to do what you want. You'll need to be on their good side, or bring up something a little personal. Though nothing too personal, you don't want to cause trouble.

You should never do this. Forcing someone into a relationship with you just shows that you don't actually care about that person and what they want -- all you care about is yourself. If you truly love someone, then let them find the person who makes them the happiest, even if that isn't you. There are plenty of people out there in the world for you to date; you don't need to force someone into it.

If you are going to be speaking to them, practice what you are going to say to them until you are confidant and can speak with a steady voice. Have prepared answers for what they may ask, as well as a generic answer to brush off questions that you didn't prepare for such as 'that doesn't really matter here'. Hold your head high and make eye contact. If that makes you nervous, focus on a spot in between their eyes or un-focus your vision. Watch your hands and feet to make sure you don't fidget. Practice with people you know until you can fake confidence.

Yes, it can. Acting guilty can allow someone to gain sympathy from the person they're trying to manipulate, making it easier to get what they want out of the person.

That's not a good idea, especially if you like her. "All giving, no taking" relationships rarely last. Don't even try.

Make them trust you. Tell them a "secret" every now and then to gain their trust and grow closer. Then, drop hints about the secret's topic.

You don't. If you broke up, there must've been a reason for it. It's not likely your ex is just going to forget about that. It's probably time to move on.

It's all about balance. Trust yourself that once your desire to ask the person out will have grown larger than your anxiety, then you will act. And you'll very likely get rejected, not because of anything you are, but simply because everybody gets rejected, all the time. Sure, there's a chance the person will like you back, and that chance is worth all the rejection in the world. So every time you feel anything, always pursue it. You'll get rejected over and over again, until one fine day you don't.

It will be extremely difficult to do that. They have mastered the art themselves, so they will know what you are doing.

Don't do this. Don't try to manipulate a girl for any reason, even if you think she'll be happier with you. If she's with someone else now, let her go and move on. If she's with you but she's told you she's in love with someone else, same response. Break up and move on. Find someone who is actually emotionally available.

Everyone can be manipulated, but the amount that person lets you control them is limited by how strong you are controlling them and how much they actually care (There are more variables but those are the main ones). Some people are less caring about others, so they may not react to your emotions or facts.

Then don't manipulate. Manipulation is generally a bad thing to do and, morally, you should not do it.

Maybe, but it might be harder if the two of you have bad blood already as they may be less likely to give in to the manipulation.

Stop lying to them and establish some trust. Show them you have finally learned. It's going to take time to rebuild trust with them, so don't expect a few days -- or even a few weeks -- of good behavior to turn it all around.