Manipulation comes in many forms. Some people create facades so convincing that when you see through them and speak up, others don’t believe you. I’ve learned a hard truth: silence, distance, and discernment are your best tools for protecting your peace.

I once knew someone who carried herself like a naive princess. She spoke in a childlike voice, wore bows in her hair, and acted like one of those little girls from Little House on the Prairie. But here’s the thing: she’s in her 40s, almost pushing 50. Girl, who do you think you’re fooling with that bow on your head and talking like a little girl? Girl, please. Behind closed doors, she was manipulative and fully aware of her actions.

Manipulative people aren’t stupid; they’re betting on you staying silent. They exploit kindness, guilt, and hesitation, assuming you won’t call them out. That’s how egotistical they are—they underestimate others’ intelligence, thinking they can always stay ahead.

What’s troubling about people like this is how long they can maintain the act. They convince others they’re innocent, which makes it even harder for people to call them out. But when someone condones bad behavior—like adulterous affairs—and denies it when confronted, saying, “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” it’s time to run for the hills. Staying in their orbit will only drain you further.

This person may shower you with food and gifts to appease you because they know you’ve caught on. But don’t be fooled. Manipulators are skilled at charming others, but when you call them out, they’ll gaslight you until you’re questioning your reality.

And here’s the kicker: when you walk away, they’ll flip the script and make you the bad guy. “Don’t hold grudges,” they’ll say. But forgiveness doesn’t mean re-association. It’s like walking near a lion’s cage. If the gate opens and the lion rips your arm off, are you going back? No. Forgiveness means letting go of anger while still protecting yourself.

Manipulators thrive on stealing your energy. They’ll have you playing detective, trying to figure out why they act the way they do. Meanwhile, you could be writing a book, hitting the gym, or spending time on what truly matters. It’s okay to wonder, but don’t let it consume you.

Cutting ties isn’t about anger; it’s about sending a clear message: “I’m not someone to manipulate.” People only grow when they face consequences. If you enable their behavior by staying silent or going along with their act, they’ll never learn.

Silence is your greatest ally. Trust your instincts, pick your battles, and protect your peace. And if someone acts like they’re from Little House on the Prairie but schemes behind closed doors, let them stay in their fantasy world—far away from yours.

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