Ever felt like you’re going in circles during an argument with your partner? That’s probably because they’re using sneaky, manipulative tactics to keep the upper hand. Manipulative people don’t fight fair—they twist words, dodge accountability, and pull on your heartstrings to come out on top. Here are the things they’ll say to win the argument without actually solving anything. Sound familiar?
1. “You’re overreacting.”
Ah, the classic. By telling you you’re overreacting, they’re making it seem like the problem isn’t what they did but how you’re reacting to it. Suddenly, you’re left questioning yourself: “Am I being too sensitive?” You’re not. They just want you to back down without addressing the real issue.
2. “I never said that.”
This one’s a total mind game. They’ll deny things they said or did, making you doubt your own memory. You’re left thinking, “Did I imagine that?” Nope—you didn’t. They’re just rewriting reality to avoid taking responsibility. It’s manipulative, plain and simple, and it’s a go-to saying for dodging accountability.
3. “You’re being too sensitive.”
This phrase is like the cousin of “you’re overreacting.” It’s designed to make you feel like the problem is you, not them. They’re brushing off your feelings and turning them back on you as if you’re the one who needs to change. Newsflash: feelings aren’t “too sensitive”—just feelings.
4. “Everyone else agrees with me.”
This is another favorite in a manipulative person’s handbook. Suddenly, it’s not just them against you—it’s “everyone.” This is just a tactic to make you feel isolated in your opinion and to make them look like they’ve got the moral high ground. Chances are, “everyone else” doesn’t actually exist in this scenario.
5. “After all I’ve done for you…”
This one’s a guilt trip special. When they pull out the “Look at all I’ve done for you” card, they’re trying to make you feel like you owe them something. The goal is to make you feel too guilty to bring up what’s bothering you. Real love shouldn’t keep score—but manipulation does.
6. “You’re acting just like [someone you don’t like].”
Ouch. Comparing you to a parent, ex, or sibling you’ve got issues with is a low blow. It’s a way to hit you where it hurts and get you distracted from the original argument. They know it’s an emotional landmine, and they’re using it to deflect from their own behavior.
7. “If you really loved me, you wouldn’t…”
This one’s designed to make you feel guilty and question your own loyalty. By bringing love into the argument, they’re trying to make you back off. It’s an unfair way to manipulate your feelings and make you think you’re in the wrong, even if you’re 100% justified.
8. “I’m sorry, but you made me do it.”
This so-called apology is basically them saying, “It’s not my fault, it’s yours.” They’re dodging any responsibility whatsoever while trying to look like they’re taking it. It’s a sneaky way to keep the blame on you while pretending to “own up” when really, they’re not really owning up to anything.
9. “I don’t remember it that way.”
This line isn’t just about having a different perspective—it’s a gaslighting tactic. By making you doubt your memory, they’re subtly chipping away at your confidence. They’re planting seeds of doubt so you’ll second-guess your own version of events. Over time, this can leave you wondering if you’re the one who’s always wrong.
10. “I guess I’m the bad guy here.”
Here comes the martyr complex. By saying they’re the “bad guy,” they’re expertly turning the tables so that they can play the victim, making you feel guilty for even bringing up an issue. Now, instead of addressing the problem, you’re comforting them. It’s a quick trick to derail the conversation and make you question if you were too hard on them.
11. “Why can’t you just let it go?”
This phrase says, “I’m done talking about this,” without actually resolving anything. They’re hoping you’ll drop the issue so they don’t have to take accountability for their bad behavior. If it’s important to you, don’t let it slide just because they’re pushing you to move on before anything gets addressed.
12. “Nobody else would care about this.”
By saying nobody else would make a fuss, they’re making you feel like you’re overreacting. It’s a tactic to make you doubt your feelings and give in. But guess what? Your feelings are valid. If it bothers you, it’s worth discussing, even if they try to make it sound trivial.
13. “You’re too emotional.”
This one’s pulled out to make you feel irrational or unbalanced. By calling you “too emotional,” they’re brushing off your concerns and labeling them as “over the top.” It’s a cheap way to make you feel like you’re in the wrong for expressing yourself. Emotional responses are part of being human, not a flaw.
14. “Fine, whatever—you win.”
This isn’t them giving in—it’s them making you feel guilty for pushing the issue. It’s utterly passive-aggressive and all it does is leave you feeling like you’ve done something wrong for standing up for yourself. They’re ending the argument with a little dig, making you feel like the “victory” wasn’t worth it.
15. “I don’t understand why you’re upset.”
This one’s a total dismissal. By acting confused, they’re pretending your feelings came out of nowhere, making you feel like you’re the one blowing things out of proportion. It’s a subtle way to make you feel ridiculous for bringing up a genuine concern, keeping you from speaking up next time.
This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.
