Manipulation is when someone tries to control or influence others in a hidden way for their own benefit or specific goals. They use tactics like convincing, lying, or playing with emotions to make people think, feel, or do things the way they want.

Sometimes, they cry just to get what they want or make others feel sorry for them. It’s like they’re putting on a show of being super upset or hurt to score some pity points, lay a guilt trip, or get the upper hand in a situation. They play the victim card and hope you’ll react the way they want you to because they’re playing up their ‘suffering’ or ‘vulnerability’.