27 Sept -WOD

Manipulate - To influence or manage shrewdly or deviously: He manipulated public opinion in his favor.

Let's face it, at some point in our lives, many of us have either been a manipulator or have allowed others to manipulate us. People tend to have different perspectives about what constitutes the act of manipulation. My personal belief is whenever a person contrives an expected outcome well in advance of soliciting a service from another person, they are being manipulative.

Let's take for example the single woman who knows exactly which male companion to call when she's in the mood for a complimentary meal at her favorite restaurant. This woman has a plethora of male acquaintances yet she strategically chooses one friend in particular whenever she wants to be wined and dined. Nine times out of ten, she realizes that 'Guy X' is so enthused about spending time with her that he'll practically jump through hoops to accommodate her requests. Yup, you've guessed it... she is a manipulator.

Let's not overlook the twenty something year old man who still relies on his Momma to wash his dirty laundry. He fully understands that once the pile accumulates to a certain level, his mother will get tired of looking at the tower of clothes. He knows full well that eventually Momduke will wash, dry, and fold his laundry, on his behalf. He too is a manipulator.

The fact of the matter remains that we usually know which individual(s) we are capable of manipulating. If you're an accomplished manipulator, shame on you. On the flip side, if you fall into the 'jump through hoops guy' or 'laundry lady' category... WAKE UP!!! You're being played like a fiddle. That's right, I'm hatin'. Be blessed.

Corey R.