Negotiate Don't Manipulate

When I was using I would manipulate others to get what I wanted, mostly drugs, because that's what I wanted the most. I would trick, swindle, steal and come up with a thousand different scams that would get me what I needed to stay loaded. The people I scammed usually didn't even figure out what happened until I was long gone.

In group, my counselors taught me about using assertive communication to negotiate getting my needs met. Needs that are good for me versus things that are bad for me. The big difference between negotiation and manipulation is negogiation supports awareness amongst all individuals involved, the only person aware in manipulation is the manipulator themself. In other words. When I am manipulating, I was acting unhealthy, selfish and continuing old using behaviors. When I negotiate with others, it fosters healthier relationships in my life.