What aspect characterizes manipulative behaviors?

Manipulative behaviors are characterized by indirectness, which means that a person may not express their true intentions or desires openly. Instead, they employ subtle tactics or underhanded methods to influence or control someone else's thoughts, actions, or feelings. This indirect approach often involves deception, hidden agendas, or emotional exploitation, making it difficult for the targeted individual to perceive the manipulator's true motives.

In contrast, honesty and openness are traits associated with clear and straightforward communication—qualities that are typically absent in manipulative behaviors. Directness, while generally a positive trait in communication, contrasts with manipulative tactics because it involves expressing intentions openly and without subterfuge. Thus, the characteristic of indirectness is central to understanding manipulative behaviors, as it highlights the lack of transparency and direct communication.