The Abuser’s Handbook: 8 Word and Logic Tricks that Signal Abuse

In this edition of our series highlighting the manipulation tactics of abusers, we’ll be covering 8 word and logic games that toxic people use in conversations to derail and confuse you.

Most of us want to assume the best in people. But these kinds of behaviours are often hidden signs of abuse (or can suggest that this person become abusive in the future).

These patterns and behaviors can often be spotted within the first hours of meeting someone — if you know what you’re looking for! That’s why it’s so important to arm yourself with knowledge and always trust your gut!

Throughout this series, we’ll talk about a variety of tactics used by manipulators and otherwise toxic people that are often overlooked or dismissed, but should be taken seriously as signs of abuse.

By leaving you off-balance with these tactics, toxic people avoid taking accountability for their harmful actions or manipulate you to get what they want. They twist your words against you, change the topic, avoid the topic, trick you into something or blame you for something that isn’t your fault.

They leave your head spinning and leave you wondering what just happened.