I read somewhere about this list of manipulation tactics and these are now my red flags. If you see these in this sequence, run:

1. The person maintains a lot of eye contact with you, staring deeply into your eyes.

2. They pay you a lot of compliments and make you feel like the most special person in the world.

3. They tell you a 'secret' about a traumatic event in their past. They say you're the first person they've ever told this to.

4. They appear extremely vulnerable, like a little wounded bird. You are the only person who can save them.

You will find later that their 'secret' is something they tell almost everyone, and it's pretty much the first thing they tell them. The details are vague and often change - they might be making it all up. Any time you don't do what they want you to do, they withdraw all contact and certainly all praise - it's a drug they hook you on. You find yourself walking on eggshells around them.

If you're in that situation, walk away. It's hard, but necessary.