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Gilbert described her strategy as one of deliberate psychological manipulation. If she identified a man already in a committed relationship, she would assess the other woman involved, seeking to become her complete opposite. Her goal was to position herself as a compelling alternative—a sparkling, irresistible choice—by studying and mimicking the other woman’s traits to stand out.
The Method: Emotional Theft and Self-Centeredness
Once she succeeded in capturing the man's attention, Gilbert confessed she would "break into his deepest vault", metaphorically stealing his emotional currency—his feelings, trust, and intimacy—and spending it on herself. This predatory behavior was not an impulsive act, but a calculated scheming designed solely for personal gain.