Synopsis

Here are some tricks people use to get their way: they keep talking, bend the truth, bribe, beg, act really nice, involve others, try to make you feel bad, use force.

The sole purpose of these manipulative tricks is to, well, manipulate you. The other person puts pressure on you and tries to wear you down, catch you off guard, confuse you, or get your emotions stirred up because then they hope to have some control and get you to do what they want.

When people try these manipulative tricks they aren’t thinking about you—how you feel, what you want, what’s best for you; they are thinking about themselves—what they want and how they can get what they want. They are ME-ME’s. So who is thinking about you?

There are two types of pressure:
Outside Pressure – the pressure that comes from others
Inside Pressure – the pressure that comes from within you

Outside Pressure doesn’t work without Inside Pressure.

SHUTTING THE DOOR - When you tell someone “NO” in a firm way, you SHUT THE DOOR.
You don’t need to slam it shut (get loud or angry); just say it firmly
(“NO, I don’t want to.”) and then keep it shut (stick with your answer).

Learning to Shut the Door

1. Stand up tall and use a strong voice.
2. State your position. Make it short and to the point.
3. Stay Calm and Respectful (of yourself and others).
4. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat your position if necessary.
5. Remove yourself from the situation.