CHINA During a heated argument with his girlfriend, a man attempted emotional manipulation by climbing over the railing of a bridge. He never intended to commit suicide – the height wasn’t enough, and there was water below. His goal was to punish her and later use it as leverage in the argument, saying things like, “See what you’ve driven me to,” or, “This is all your fault.”
However, when he jumped into the water, he quickly got into trouble and began drowning. His swimming skills were insufficient to reach the shore. Before help arrived, he sank beneath the surface. His body was recovered several tens of minutes later.
Psychologists recommend that victims of manipulation and emotional blackmail remain calm in such situations. Anxiety and uncertainty are exactly where the manipulator wants you to be. By staying calm, you reduce their control. Do not give in to threats; instead, set firm boundaries and communicate with emotional neutrality and measured detachment.
