Manipulative behaviour involves tactics and strategies individuals use to gain power, control, or achieve their objectives at the expense of others. Signs include frequently playing the victim or exaggerating problems to gain sympathy, withholding or distorting information, using guilt or emotional blackmail, giving backhanded compliments or using passive-aggressive behaviour, invalidating others' feelings or experiences, frequently shifting blame, and making indirect threats or ultimatums. Manipulators often exploit others' vulnerabilities, test their boundaries, and may gaslight (make someone doubt their reality or memories) to maintain dominance. Recognising these signs is the first step in addressing and countering manipulative tendencies in relationships or interactions.