It’s essential to stay alert to your surroundings.
We encounter hypnotic techniques from childhood, experiencing subtle suggestions and manipulations from adults, and we unknowingly learn to use them ourselves in daily interactions. In everyday life, hypnosis involves altering someone’s mental state to achieve a particular goal—though the goal isn’t always negative.
Here’s how to recognize these subtle forms of manipulation and stay true to yourself.
1. Subtle Suggestions
From a young age, we hear phrases like, “Don’t sit on the snow, or you’ll catch a cold,” or “Put on a hat, or you’ll get sick.” These direct suggestions aim to protect us from harm but can evolve into deeply ingrained beliefs. A child internalizes these messages, turning the voices of adults into self-talk, forming lifelong scripts. Over time, phrases like “You’re lazy,” or “You’ll never succeed” become part of their self-image.
What to do: Reflect on the intention behind someone’s suggestion. What’s their goal? Talk openly about their motivations and try to discuss their concerns together. Often, close ones project their own anxieties to protect us but don’t realize we may need a different kind of support.
2. Self-Suggestions
Pay attention to your inner dialogue. Do you tell yourself that you can’t succeed, won’t finish on time, or don’t deserve your dreams? Comparing yourself negatively to others and doubting your abilities builds mental barriers that hinder growth.
What to do: Identify moments when you undermine yourself and replace them with positive affirmations. Say, “I can do this,” “I am capable,” and “I deserve the best.” Train your mind to stay open to possibilities and maintain a positive state of consciousness, freeing yourself from limiting beliefs.
3. Manipulation Through Guilt or Fear
Manipulation through fear sounds like: “If you don’t get into college, you’ll end up a janitor,” or “If you don’t save money, you’ll be broke.” This tactic exploits fear to force compliance, leading us to make choices that suit others rather than ourselves. Manipulation through guilt is also common in relationships, family dynamics, and friendships. We often strive to be “good enough” for others, even at the expense of our own happiness.
What to do: Don’t let others make you doubt yourself or your decisions by using fear or guilt. Learn to express your true desires and act on them confidently. Avoid conflict but remain assertive. Stand firm in your values and resist manipulative tactics designed to undermine your sense of self.
4. Sensory Visualization
Advertisers and even close friends use visualization to persuade you. Describing a sensory-rich scenario, they appeal to all your senses to influence your decision-making. For example: “Imagine walking on warm sand, listening to the waves, smelling the salty sea breeze, sipping fresh juice—feeling its sweetness.”
What to do: Stay grounded and remember your own goals. Before giving in to someone else’s vision, think about how it aligns with your desires. Visualization can be helpful in making decisions, but it’s important to ensure the outcome reflects what you genuinely want, not someone else’s agenda.
5. Manipulative Flattery
“You’re the only one who can do this right” is a classic example of manipulation through flattery. It’s tempting to believe in your uniqueness, but flattery can lead you to take on others’ work, fix their mistakes, and contribute to their success at your own expense.
What to do: Consider the person’s motives. What’s in it for them? Strengthen your sense of self-worth so you aren’t easily swayed by insincere praise. When you recognize your own competence, you’ll be less likely to fall for manipulative compliments.
The best way to guard against manipulation is developing self-awareness. Tune in to your feelings, desires, and boundaries. Practice saying, “No, I don’t want this” or “This isn’t for me” without guilt. Respecting your own choices helps you resist becoming a tool for others’ agendas.
Equally important is respecting others’ boundaries. Honest, open communication and genuine interactions are the foundation of healthy relationships. When you connect with yourself and honor others’ decisions, you create a space for mutual respect and authenticity.