7 Everyday Phrases That Secretly Manipulate Your Mind—Are You Falling for Them?
Words matter, and jokes that consistently belittle you can still do real damage, even if they’re said with a laugh.
When someone’s “joke” makes you question your worth, think of that as a glaring red flag. Don’t let them tiptoe away from accountability by dismissing your hurt feelings.
5. “I didn’t mean it that way; you’re misunderstanding me”
We all get misunderstood from time to time, and clarifying can be perfectly healthy.
But some manipulative individuals use this phrase to wipe the slate clean whenever they say something offensive or contradictory.