Firmness and Diplomatic Assertiveness.

Setting clear boundaries without aggressiveness or passivity.

Manipulation only thrives in the absence of firmness. To defend oneself, it is necessary to adopt a posture of assertiveness, which psychologists define as the healthy balance point between aggressiveness and passivity.

While the aggressive person intimidates and the passive person lets himself be trampled, the assertive person defends his rights and expresses his desires in an unwavering but diplomatic manner, without resorting to anger or emotional outbursts.

This assertiveness implies respectful communication that does not violate the rights of others, but draws clear red lines.

If a manipulator crosses a boundary, the assertive person does not let it go; he or she warns immediately and calmly that such behavior is unacceptable.

Maintaining a relaxed tone of voice, direct eye contact and an open body posture projects confidence and strength, signals that deter predators looking for easy prey.

Unerring logic and a refusal to be dragged into the emotional mire are the walls against which manipulation crashes.

Direct communication and exposing the manipulator's intentions.

Manipulators operate best in ambiguity, mind games and innuendo. The antithesis of this environment is direct and explicit communication. A confident person knows what he or she wants and communicates it bluntly.

This directness cuts the manipulation loop, as it imposes a clear and precise two-way street where there is no room for intentional misunderstanding. An advanced defensive tactic is the direct confrontation of intentions.

Whereas most people guard their suspicions for fear of conflict, the assertive person openly asks, "What is your real intention with this comment?" or "What do you intend to accomplish by doing this?"

This maneuver of "shining a light" on hidden motivations unbalances the manipulator, who feels uncovered and exposed.

Losing the advantage of secrecy, he is forced to back off or change his strategy, since his game depends on the victim not knowin