puriending

Puriending is a term used to describe the act of intentionally misleading someone through the subtle manipulation of information. It is characterized by a pattern of behavior designed to make the target doubt their own memory, perception, or sanity. Unlike outright lying, puriending often involves omitting certain facts, twisting existing ones, or presenting information in a way that creates a false narrative. The goal is not necessarily to deceive for immediate gain, but rather to gain control over another person's thoughts and feelings.

This type of manipulation can manifest in various ways. Someone might repeatedly deny events that clearly happened, accuse the other person of misremembering, or insist that their own version of reality is the only correct one. Puriending can be a component of emotional abuse, as it erodes a person's self-confidence and makes them more susceptible to the manipulator's influence. It is a destructive behavior that can have significant psychological consequences for the victim, leading to confusion, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-worth. Recognizing the signs of puriending is a crucial step in addressing and disengaging from such manipulative dynamics.