4. They seek to make people feel sorry for expressing their concerns.
In order to control or change someone’s decisions, manipulators may try to make them feel bad about expressing their thoughts or worries. Also, they might fight back or try to make things confusing in order to start an argument and gain power in the conversation.
In situations where speaking up is also a brave thing to do, shame shouldn’t be a reason not to talk to other people. On the other hand, it’s important to stand up for your feelings and values, among other things, so that manipulators don’t get you and your friends or family confused about things that aren’t important or even real.