Attacks your feelings and bonds
Negging
A put-down dressed as a compliment, meant to make you seek their approval.
The first tell
You feel off balance. That feeling arrives before you can name the move.
What it sounds like
Someone says: You're pretty confident for someone with your background.
Say back
That sounded like an insult. Was it?
If they push
Wow. I was being nice.
Then say the nice version.
How this family is disarmed
Weigh actions over words and keep your own pace.
Paid
See it in dating and at work
Context packs show this tactic in the settings where it does the most damage, and let you drill it against a timer.