Observed manipulative strategy thread?

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Hi all,
Can we have a thread where we post red-flag strategies that we've noticed
with cultural context and maybe age-group information? The idea would be if
something feels of WP users can go and check to see if there is a pattern logged in the
thread.

Example entry:

context: Western english-speaking informal, 30-40s, Mirroring

Description: Say what the other person says but about yourself and change a few details. Also
can mirror body language or behaviors.
eg.
- "I have a dog that is sick."
- "Yes and I also have a dog but it isn't sick"

Variants/similar to:
- agreeing.

Effect: creates a feeling of closeness through implication that there is someone else like
you with your experiences and interest. Even if you are aware that something is off this works.
It is a subtle form of flattery.

Risk : People can use it to make a fake friend then discard you on a whim after they have what they need.
Things they might want: attention, gossip, therapy, to recruit you.

Anything else : can form part of a cycle of narcissistic or sociopathic abuse. After the discard, when the person
comes back they will probe for animosity, provide an excuse, and profuse apologies.

Red flags: Can be normal behaviour, look for over-use, inconsistencies/lies, differences in communication
when communicating with their other friends.

Defense : remain more emotionally aloof, don't share as much about yourself, check in with trusted friends.

Distinct subtlei behaviour ....it is hard enough for Aspies to have relationships , and then trying to snalyze these same
situations . Am thinking even Aspies ,whom might on the average have very few friends, Just might be happy even to have fake friends . And could easily fall prey to something like this . And then requiring analyses of a very remote
social interaction possibility . Might be a tall order for someone in such a situation.. Have had to navigate such ?
Friendships? ? , Might add , sometimes very unsuccessfully . .

Yes I agree it is and would be hard.
I think some of us could manage to at least have some level of awareness
though. A few youtubers have talked about it.

With a list it would help people to check and they can get better,
and talk to others for advice.

Yeah I'm always wary of people who seem to relate to everyone else's issues

It is really manipulative and uncalled for as well

Sometimes you just want your issue to be yours and then these parasites come along and steal them for themselves and then they start to get the attention for something that was yours and then your needs aren't met

This is more common than people realise and it is narcissistic but they masquerade it as empathy