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30 Covert Emotional Manipulation Tactics: How Manipulators Take Control In Personal Relationships Kindle Edition


Learn the manipulator's game, so they can't play it with you. Identifying covert emotional manipulation is tricky. You sense something is wrong, but you can't quite put your finger on the problem. This powerful book will reveal to you if manipulation is at play in your relationships. It will open your eyes.

You will learn thirty tactics manipulators use to get what they want. You will also learn to spot the warning signs within yourself that expose covert manipulation is taking place, even if you can't identify the specific tactics being used.

This book is geared toward romantic relationships, including those involving a pathological partner. Even so, many of the manipulation tactics are the same as those used by family members, coworkers, friends and others.

Covert emotional manipulation tactics are underhanded methods of control. Emotional manipulation methodically wears down your self-worth and damages your trust in your own perceptions. It can make you unwittingly compromise your personal boundaries and lose your self-respect, and even lead to a warped concept of yourself and of reality. With your defenses weakened or completely disarmed in this manner, you are left even more vulnerable to further manipulation and psychological harm.

Empower yourself and get your life back!

"An excellent and concise guide to emotional abuse. Here is a concise listing with well written descriptions of each method and tactic of emotional abusers. In my opinion everyone should read this book. Forewarned is forearmed."

"Clear, concise, accurate portrayal of complex subject matter impacting many people. I appreciate the accessibility to the general public of a topic that is often overlooked, but impacts morale not only in romantic relationships, but in the family, at work and in myriad social situations."

"Wow. What a sap I've been. I've been victimized by a control freak domineering wife for nearly 30 years. I knew I was passive but I had no idea how cutthroat she really was. Very eye opening."

"This author nails it. Some examples were direct quotes from people I know, so I know I am not alone in having been manipulated. It is directly applicable to my life and gives excellent guidance for how to recognize and therefore avoid manipulations in the future. I am recommending it to a number of my friends."

"At first I thought this was another of those "little books" with no content. I went ahead and got it anyway. Immediately I realized I was wrong. Good choice."

"Knowing the tactics made me far less emotional about what has been happening, better able to deal with the manipulation. Consequently, I look less crazy, I count that as a win!"

"BRAVO! Everyone should read this... if you're in a controlling relationship, man or woman, this will help you spell it out. Don't let these people in at ANY cost..it's not worth your LIFE"

"Short and right to the point. Worth re-reading and, because of the format, it was easy to locate points that I wanted to find again. This book provides instant clarity."

"Must read for anyone who interacts with other people, ever! VERY useful information everyone should be aware of!"

"Great! This is one of those great little book that you come across once in a while. The book is short because it left all the bulls*** and fillers out!"

"Excellent! A must read for anyone that is lost in a relationship. I would like to thank the author for an eye opening experience! This book has clarified more for me than I have ever understood in my entire life time.

"Impressive! Short, direct, and thought-provoking. I only wish I had read it years ago! Every young person should read this before dating!"

"If you're wondering . . . "gee, should I read this book?" The answer is YES.It should be required for every human adult's relationship toolkit."


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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00PCVJGFW
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4309 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 76 pages
  • Customer reviews:

About the author

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Adelyn Birch
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Adelyn Birch is the creator and author of the website Psychopaths and Love. As the former victim of a psychopath, she is passionate about helping others who experienced the same thing. She re-invented herself as a professional writer and artist after a long career as a registered nurse. She loves the mountains, her dogs, cooking for friends and helping others overcome adversity.

Her unique and popular blog, "Psychopaths and Love," is found at www.psychopathsandlove.com

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
2,682 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book short, concise, and insightful. They also describe the content as good, practical, and helpful. Readers also mention the writing style as eye-opening.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

49 customers mention ‘Content’49 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very insightful, excellent, and thorough. They also say it's a good review to hidden manipulation.

"...I love the empowering affirmations near the end of the book. A very worth while read especially as I am training to become a qualified counsellor." Read more

"Good book, good introduction to the subject of narcissists and emotional manipulators. It's short, to the point and clear...." Read more

"...yes they do and every one of them will be an ah ha moment. Fantastic and very simple book that everyone must read...." Read more

"...A very good read and Knowledge you probably will need when starting or in a relationship." Read more

25 customers mention ‘Writing style’25 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style concise, clear, and direct. They also say the book is good at showing the reader things they hadn't noticed about their relationships.

"I loved this book due to its practicality. It was very well-written, and I personally feel that I am more equipped with dealing NPDs and other types..." Read more

"...It's short, to the point and clear...." Read more

"...Fantastic and very simple book that everyone must read...." Read more

"...This book is so easy to read and insightful I wasn’t able to put it down and finished it in a few days...." Read more

16 customers mention ‘Usefulness’16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very helpful, practical, and comprehensive. They also say it's an easy read.

"I loved this book due to its practicality...." Read more

"...he is used rather more than she or even he/she, this is a great tool for everyone.Personal relationships and others...." Read more

"...On the upside, it is a fairly exhaustive list of the manipulations...." Read more

"This book will be an extremely useful benchmark for those struggling with destructive relationships, helping them to put into words and thereby..." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Length’9 positive2 negative

Customers find the book short and only an outline. They say there's no need for long stories.

"...It's short, to the point and clear...." Read more

"Short and powerful book...." Read more

"This book is a very good review to hidden manipulation.It is short and only an outline, and it directs you to other books." Read more

"...No need for long stories. If you have been emotionally manipulatived you can recognise the underhand methods and relate to them in this book." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 March 2024
I loved this book due to its practicality. It was very well-written, and I personally feel that I am more equipped with dealing NPDs and other types of pathological personalities.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 January 2023
This book hits the nail on the head so to speak. I recognise former abusive relationships and I can see how far I have come. It can either reasure you that you are in a healthy relationship or it can highlight the red flags you may have missed. If you are confused and being gaslighted this book will bring you clarity and an understanding of what is going on. I love the empowering affirmations near the end of the book. A very worth while read especially as I am training to become a qualified counsellor.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 April 2016
Good book, good introduction to the subject of narcissists and emotional manipulators. It's short, to the point and clear.

This book won't give you case studies, or indepth personal experiences or how you should handle each tactic, but then the book doesn't claim to.

If you think you might be in a relationship with a narcissist or someone that seems to really be playing on your sense of reality eg. gaslighting, then I'd recommend this book as a starting point as you will see if you recognise your partner in these pages. If you do, seek help!
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 September 2019
You’d think, can there really be 30 tricks that the manipulators use!!.. yes they do and every one of them will be an ah ha moment. Fantastic and very simple book that everyone must read. If you are one that needs validation and approval in your relationships you are definitely going to need this book as it’s more than likely that the power balance in your relationship is not in your favour. So read on. You will not put it down till you are finished. Happy reading.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 May 2024
I think the author may have a problem distinguishing between “manipulation” and “persuasion”. She’s produced a (very useful summary) list of common conversational gambits that are used by both men and women. Along the way she’s also produced a tick list of excuses for ladies to use when they call their man a psychopath, in order to justify whatever emotionally-driven move they are about to make.

Men: read this, so you know what could be thrown at you.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 November 2021
This book was good from the start to halfway thru, then quickly accelerated upwards in info to the point I wished I had read this book BEFORE I embarked on my last long-term relationship, (I might) have abandoned that toxic relationship sooner.
A very good read and Knowledge you probably will need when starting or in a relationship.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 May 2023
This book clearly sets out the games manipulators play to keep you on the hook. I would highly recommend it for those who are struggling with difficult relationships and don’t know why.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 February 2021
This book has been the turning point in my healing. I learnt so much about the behaviour of manipulators which really helped deal with 18month year old pain. This book is so easy to read and insightful I wasn’t able to put it down and finished it in a few days. Adelyn birch is now one of my favourite writers. She changed my life .
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Adriana
5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening overview and easy to read
Reviewed in Canada on 26 June 2021
I read this book in one seating and thoroughly felt engaged by it. As I read and learned about the different tactics, I felt more and more empowered. I gauged whether or not I myself was using tactics unconsciously and I gauged if any tactics were present in any other of my relationships.
I think this should be required reading by every young adult especially when starting new relationships or entering marriage. Once you learn the manipulative tactics, you will be able to defend yourself against it. You will have clearer boundaries to protect yourself and will maintain your self worth. Plus you will know if you yourself are being manipulative or controlling in order to get what you want.
This book is to the point, a short read, and worth every minute of your time for the sake of the quality of your life.
One person found this helpful
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Jlmc2
1.0 out of 5 stars Do not buy that book! (waste of money)
Reviewed in Spain on 14 January 2021
I don't recommend you this book. For the same price you have way better options. Poor quality book and product.
CRAFTYCHICK48
5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, informative, and easy to relate to for anyone who has suffered this abuse.
Reviewed in the United States on 6 March 2018
I immediately related to this book because my marriage was to a covert manipulator. I could agree with all of the listed tactics but a few. This book validates some of the abuse I experienced as a child, and the abuse I experienced in my marriage. I'm well educated, and fairly assertive and outspoken, yet I felt like I was to blame for anything going wrong in the marriage and with our parenting. I felt ignored, underappreciated, and taken advantage of while at the same time feeling the underlying message that I should feel lucky and appreciative of all that I have. It was an insidious process of seeing myself become chipped away, and broken down over the years. In the latter years, I felt like I was barely tolerated, and expressed this to him. I was told I was wrong, and it was all in my head, and I believed this. It was turned around onto me, and blamed on my abusive upbringing and my depression. My intuition kept telling me something wasn't right, but I couldnt put my finger on it. I just knew I was incredibly and inexplicably unhappy. I chose to leave after 23 years of feeling empty and unhappy for at least 15 years, and wondering why I always felt angry, depressed, and resentful while feeling I constantly agreed with him. I literally felt like I was losing a grip on reality. I lost my identity completely in the marriage. I left that marriage feeling mentally shattered, and not having any sense of self-worth or self-confidence. If you can relate at all to my brief marital history you can benefit from reading this book. It's an excellent, easy-to-read resource to assist on a path toward self-love and empowerment. Anyone one who suffered this abuse, or any abuse can benefit from this book. I highly recommend her other book " Boundaries After A Pathological Relationship", and her website psychopathsandlove.com
52 people found this helpful
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Luis Mendez
5.0 out of 5 stars Very clear and usefull guide
Reviewed in Mexico on 6 June 2017
I will recommend to start reading the chapter that deals with intermitent reinforcement. I think it helps for a better comprehension of the entire subject.
jodie boyd
5.0 out of 5 stars INSIGHTFUL
Reviewed in Australia on 2 April 2023
I felt like this book was a mirror of a destructive 4 year relationship I’ve recently come out of. The author clearly knows the manipulation game and understands the emotional and physical health damage caused by the manipulator. Without doubt, this is the most informative and helpful book I’ve read on the topics of manipulation and narcissism.
I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who feels they’ve been in a relationship that is manipulative, controlling, confusing and soul crushing.
I shed many tears throughout the book, as it was all too familiar, however after finishing the book I no longer feel alone with what I’ve personally experienced. Healing will take however long it takes, but I’m so thankful I chose this book and absolutely recommended it!
One person found this helpful
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