Book club. This month's selection.
In Sheep’s Clothing - Understanding and dealing with manipulative peopleBy George K. Simon
Good read and some nice insight into how covert-aggressive personalities use tactics to ensure they get their way and maintain a position of power over their victims. In this instance, Lew Perkins psychologically mind-fracking his victims, otherwise known as Fake Sugar Dick (WARNING, NOT THE REAL SUGAR DICK!) ku fans.
The
“Diversion” and
“Playing the Victim Role” manipulation tactics chapters are particularly salient.
Diversion – A moving target is hard to hit. When we try to pin a manipulator down or try to keep a discussion focused on a single issue or behavior we don't like, he's expert at knowing how to change the subject, dodge the issue or in some way throw us a curve. Manipulators use distraction and diversion techniques to keep the focus off their behavior, move us off-track, and keep themselves free to promote their self-serving hidden agendas.
Playing the Victim Role – This tactic involves portraying oneself as an innocent victim of circumstances or someone else's behavior in order to gain sympathy, evoke compassion and thereby get something from another. One thing that covert-aggressive personalities count on is the fact that less calloused and less hostile personalities usually can't stand to see anyone suffering. Therefore, the tactic is simple. Convince your victim you're suffering in some way, and they'll try to relieve your distress.
