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Originally Posted by brendannz  I've found that the most manipulative people I've had to deal with have been the least intelligent, from my own experience. Not saying you're wrong, but that's the way it seems to me. |
I don't think intelligence is directly linked to being more or less manipulative, although a certain level of intelligence is obviously required to be able to manipulate people in the first place
I think it's just that attempts at manipulation done by less intelligent people are easier to spot. I used to be very (covertly) manipulative, because I didn't think I could get what I wanted by being direct and asking for it. I'm happy that I'm now mostly able to just directly go for what I want. Earlier, I was often amazed - and a little frightened - at how easy it was for me to manipulate people without their knowledge.
It's not something I'm proud of, but it was pretty much a coping mechanism for me - and a part of my "Nice Guy" syndrome. Not voicing my needs either to refrain from possibly hurting people or to avoid rejection.