The instructions are simple, and when you master this art, you are well on your way to be an untouchable master of manipulation.
1. Anticipate what he/she will say to others.
2. Lay false foundations, so that when/if the other tells it, it supports your case.
For example, say you were bashing your friend (Mel) to her love-interest, trying to make her look bad. You see them leave the party together and suspect that the love-interest will tell Mel all about what happened and she will be (justifiably) mad. You suspect Mel will tell your other friends about it.
So you get to the other friends first, and tell them that lately Mel has been acting a bit strange around you, saying slightly paranoid things. You say you are very worried about Mel and that we ought to do something about it. Will they help?
Mel goes to the other friends and says she suspects you have been talking about her behind her back.
Mission accomplished. Everyone thinks Mel is paranoid. And you are a hero for wanting to help her.
Do you relate to Mel? I have been Mel all my life. I wish I could be more audacious and get them all on my side first. But on the bright side, I have a few friends who just are on my side, and I don't have to waste time & energy running around, manipulating others.
Labels: backstabbing, friendship, manipulation
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