Guess what, guys: Women don't play fair, especially when they want something and you stand between them and their goals. Female manipulation tricks are legendary, and they aren't about to stop any time soon -- which means there’s a pretty good chance you’ll be faced with the full-court press from your sweetie at some point. Whether she's looking for forgiveness or a favor, you can bet that she'll try every trick in the book to get her way. While you can't prevent her from making attempts to fight dirty, you most definitely can spot the trickery in action and even the playing field by deflecting her underhanded actions.
Read on for tricks that women don't want you to know about, and ways to escape female manipulation tricks without giving in.
Tears
All women know that the easiest way to make a man uncomfortable is to cry; we've all witnessed men that automatically give in to even the most unreasonable requests just to make the tears stop. Girls learn this female manipulation trick early -- fathers present gifts to teary-eyed daughters and school teachers forgive bad behavior at the onset of convincing waterworks. Most women have perfected the pouty sniffles and streaming eyes to a point where it can be difficult to pinpoint an honest display.Counterattack: When presented with a crying woman outside of actual traumatic scenarios, it's probably a good idea to remove yourself from the situation if you feel at all in doubt about her sincerity. You can't bargain with tears, so avoid them instead.
Bribery and rewards
Any woman you're involved with is going to have a pretty good idea of what pushes your buttons and grabs your interest, i.e. they know their female manipulation tricks; when she wants something she'll know exactly how to entice you. She might come at you with the promise of tickets to a concert you've been talking about, a luxury item you've been eyeing, or the ever popular sexual bargaining (think extra oral attention, naughty outfits, or usually forbidden acts). While men are accused of promising the world to get a woman into bed, women are notorious for promising the world for just about everything else.Counterattack: The best plan of attack is to turn the tables and remove her ability to string you along with promises or rewards for your compliance. If she's a bedroom briber, try decreasing your attempts to get her into bed or react to her sexuality, thereby cutting off the power she uses to get her way. Is she big on the promise of flashy gifts? Cut back on fancy dinners out and tell her you're saving for something for yourself, she'll back off as soon as she sees that you'd rather pay your own way -- especially if it cuts into money usually spent on her.
Keep reading for more female manipulation tricks..
Flattery
Egos are fascinating things -- they have a mind of their own and often respond to even the most insincere flattery and generic praise. A woman heaping on the praise -- whether it's about your looks, your bedroom skills, your job, whatever -- will no doubt get the benefit of you in a good mood and perhaps a little more leniency or appreciation than usual. What’s the payoff for her? Since you're feeling appreciated and respected, she figures that you'll be more willing to go along with her requests or demands.Counterattack: It's hard not to want to believe the flattery, but pay attention to patterns: If you get no compliments for weeks and then are suddenly overwhelmed with them right before she asks for something, it's time to ignore what she says and judge her on her actions instead. If she's a constant flatterer and you're getting wise to her game, try agreeing with her when she compliments you rather than thanking her or acting overly appreciative. She'll shut down the excessive praise if she thinks it's going to your head.
Friend recruitment
The very astute woman will go right to the source in her quest to unleash her female manipulation tricks, the one place you go to for your ideas and support: your friends. On a night out with your pals she might take advantage of moments alone with them to drop hints about what's on her mind, things she might like, and ideas for things that would make her happy. The goal here, of course, is simple. If you go to your friends in the days leading up to Christmas or her birthday looking for ideas, your pals might just mimic back her desired gift list.Counterattack: You could stoop to her level and do the same with her friends. Instead of focusing on gift ideas, getting her friends to see your side of arguments or agree with you on general things that crop up in your relationship will drive her insane. If her friends stick up for you in arguments, she's lost her rant support system. Be careful here, though; sometimes this manipulation tactic will leave you in a crunch, so tread lightly.
Provoking jealousy
If she's trying to make a point, a woman won't flinch at using her female manipulation tricks and involving others to help them. Whether it's being overly flirtatious at the deli counter or accepting drinks from strangers at a bar, showing you that others find her desirable is a reminder that you aren't the only game in town. She's making the assumption that if you feel the risk of her being stolen away, you might work a little harder to make sure she sticks around. The result is a man who is a bit more forgiving or unsettled -- hopefully enough to give her what she wants.
Counterattack: We don't suggest trying to make her jealous in return because it probably isn't worth the headache. It's better to ignore her attempts; if she flirts with someone else in front of you, just ask her later if she had a good time, and ignore causing a scene or reprimanding her. If you get worked up, she's won.
A few final words on female manipulation tricks... Next >>
Withdrawal
If she isn't getting her way, she might back off and become more unavailable, busier or less talkative than usual. Pulling away from you will hopefully, in her mind, have you wondering about her whereabouts or her commitment to you (another one of her female manipulation tricks). If you feel left out of her life, you may start fearing that she's moving on, and she figures you'll be more likely to bend to her will on contentious issues to solidify your relationship and display your commitment.
Counterattack: Simple and direct is the order of the day -- ask her if she still wants to be in a relationship with you. She'll be forced to admit that her unavailability or lack of communication is a ploy and not a symptom of actual couple problems.
Playing dumb/helpless
Women know that men love to be knights in shining armor for their lady loves; it's a role that lets men feel like capable providers or even heroes. Ergo, even if she's perfectly capable of figuring out or doing something for herself, she knows that playing dumb or helpless will signal her knight to come riding in to save the day whenever she wants or needs something. Plus, it's hard for you to get angry or frustrated with her when she's letting you feel superior and relied upon -- the two keys to this passive-aggressive tactic.
Counterattack: While there are times when she might genuinely need assistance, it's not OK for it to be the norm; there's a big difference between helpful and full-time maintenance. Feel free to aid when it's necessary, but be sure to enlist her help rather than take over so she doesn't just sit back and take advantage. If she's a serial offender, try some playful put-downs making fun of her and her inability to do something -- she'll know you're on to her and will activate her pride, which will ensure that she cuts down on needless requests for your help.
getting played
No one likes a game-player, and fighting fair should be a priority, but it's well within your rights to defend yourself if your girl starts trying to pull some female manipulation tricks. It's up to you to decide which of her tricks you can live with and which you can't, and nip things in the bud before they get out of control. Stay on your toes and stay strong -- manipulation can only work on those who choose to ignore the signs.
just fun and games
