I know it can be annoying, but you can try not to let it bother you. Everyone has annoying habits. Our family, our friends. But for the most part, we put up with them because we love them.

Add me to the list of people with very low self-confidence, and an almost non-existent sense of self-worth. I do not seek constant re-assurance as much as I used to. Mostly because I know it pisses people off, and the fear of doing so just makes me feel even worse. So I tend to bottle my insecurities up, and all that has done is exacerbate my anxiety problems over time.

In my case, it was never about manipulation. It was about trying to feel like I was worth something. Like I wasn't "different" from everyone else, because I never felt like I belonged anywhere. I'm sad to see so many people annoyed by this behavior. I know it must be frustrating, but I think that if more people had to live like this they would better understand.

Probably the best thing you can do is try to be understanding. Don't give them the immediate gratifcation they are asking for. Talk to them. When they ask if they look fat, ask them, why do you think you look fat? Don't pay them a simple compliment like "Not at all, I think you look great". Honestly, those simple compliments don't mean much and pretty much bounce right off us. Instead, say something like "You know, it makes me sad when you always ask me if you look fat. You are very pretty, and I wish you could see that in yourself."