1. Read 2. Vote 3. Repeat
Is It Normal?
What do you think?
Manipulation as a means of survival?
I have a theory that I feel is entirely supported by situations involving friends, family, coworkers, and perfect strangers.

On a day to day basis I witness multiple people that, to me, are obviously manipulating others with selfish, if not entirely malicious intent. It seems to me that planning to manipulate a person and figuring out which buttons are the right ones to push would be so much more difficult than simply coming forward with simple, honest, courteous requests.

I'm by no means implying that I'm a saint, but I feel like 90% of the time I'm the only person I know who chooses to be straightforward with wants, needs, requests, etc.

Am I just paranoid or does this have any sort of basis? Is this normal?
Does this story fit one of these flags? If so, click it! [Best Of] [Funny] [Interesting] [Weird] [Repetitive] [Lame] [Vulgar] [F*cked Up] [Fake] [Off Topic] [Innapropriate] [Adult]
Comments (13)
Corbin (4032)
2006-12-17 02:29:26
I have witnessed the exact same thing, and concur with almost every aspect of your theory. What I don't believe is that this is usually derived from malicious intent, but it seems to be a part of the personality of such individuals, since manipulation does seem to be a large part of human nature. I have found that the only way to avoid these situations of manipulation is to avoid the individuals that possess such powers of manipulation, or just be flat out rude to them. I believe you are correct in saying that straightforward individuals are in the minority.
[ Funny ] [ Helpful ] [ Abusive ] Reply
Naughty_rascal (4558)
2006-12-17 18:14:09
Straight forward individuals are in the minority,agreed. i think however that people are not as manipulative as you'd believe. I for one don't spend my time plotting and hatching evil plans. I think you may have something in your survival instinct theory, In that the manipulators dont, to a certain extent know they're doing this. And to compound this the manipulatee's have personality's whereby they allow themselves to be manipulated to a certain extent. These are the 'chilled' and the 'laid back'
Whats the alternative to this? taht in reality, say 88% of the population are always scheming while the other 12% do the right thing? I dont want to believe that, do you?
You will learn young jedi !
[ Funny ] [ Helpful ] [ Abusive ] Reply
smithee (4389)
2006-12-28 18:03:13
i understand how you feel. Wait what are you trying to pull?
[ Funny ] [ Helpful ] [ Abusive ] Reply
juansidious (5158)
2007-01-07 20:32:51
How's it goin', Machiavelli?
[ Funny ] [ Helpful ] [ Abusive ] Reply
iforgotwhatweweretalkingabout (6170)
2007-02-25 17:34:18
whos manipulating you? look at a mirror, buddy.
[ Funny ] [ Helpful ] [ Abusive ] Reply
rhythmunbroken (6630)
2007-03-15 20:57:07
I agree with your observation. Most people if not all are out for themselves only. It's all a big game. I 'THINK' I am truly honest and I try to be kind and generous or at least fair. I don't think there are many people like this in the world. People I am friends with who know me well enough say that I am more honest etc and they admit that they are not. So *shrug* se la vie
[ Funny ] [ Helpful ] [ Abusive ] Reply
Knock_It_off (6904)
2007-03-25 12:26:30
I manipulated my co-worker for $1, I needed a dollar because I wanted to buy some onions on my way home from work, so I told her she took my dollar I droped near her desk and stuffed it in her purse. She said she didn't and proceeded to check her purse and she had like 10 $1 bills, so she said she just found it and stuffed it in her bag and didn't think much of it. So she gave it to me. I don't feel bad because she likes to take things off my desk and eat then befire I can get it back.
[ Funny ] [ Helpful ] [ Abusive ] Reply
laprincessa (7553)
2007-04-16 23:27:13
Maybe you are Manipulating us did you ever think that??
[ Funny ] [ Helpful ] [ Abusive ] Reply
Hairy-stick-nipples (7861)
2007-04-23 02:59:01
manipulation is a regulation of the weak, If you cant tell your being manipulated, deal with it. Life sucks, theres worse things out there.
[ Funny ] [ Helpful ] [ Abusive ] Reply
kristina_696969 (6736)
2007-04-23 03:36:24
I face this every day I work!
People are in possissions they don't deserve. Purely because they know how to manipulate the system!
I can't get a break.
[ Funny ] [ Helpful ] [ Abusive ] Reply
indiana404 (8265)
2007-05-10 12:53:56
90% of the population are manipulators?
I think you overestimate humanity. They'll surely TRY and manipulate others, but rarely succeed. So don't get paranoid.
[ Funny ] [ Helpful ] [ Abusive ] Reply
beatles_steffi (9285)
2007-10-16 06:48:33
only scum succeeds... havent you realized. At work the other day, I got on my hands and knees and scrubbed the scuffs off the floor, and some other girl took credit for it. And I cant be like... I did it ,not her.... cuz i would look like an idiot. Just deal with it...
[ Funny ] [ Helpful ] [ Abusive ] Reply
stinkbug12345 (9117)
2007-10-18 10:50:18
I don't know if they are doing it, I don't give a shit
[ Funny ] [ Helpful ] [ Abusive ] Reply
Thanks for the add! Don't forget to add isitnormal to your friends on MySpace and join our Facebook Group.