In your gut, you know it’s them, but somehow they make it seem like it’s you.

What do you do when the covert-aggressor in your life is your co-worker, or even worse, your boss? Dealing with manipulative, back-stabbing behavior in the workplace can be quite a challenge.

The way that most of us, and most especially, mental health professionals, have traditionally been taught to view human nature and behavior is actually the biggest obstacle to understanding and dealing effectively with the unscrupulous and devious folks among us.

One of the most effective ways for impaired characters to victimize others is to conceal their malevolent intentions while simultaneously prompting their “target” to accede to their desires. Manipulators win by using clever tactics like “gaslighting” to get the other person to back down or give in.

Just because someone does or says something that manipulates you, doesn’t necessarily mean they did it to manipulate you.