Thank you to everyone for the discussion. It was very helpful.

I don't think it's within my capacity to be offended by most manipulative behaviour. But I can see how, if the intention is purely selfish or harmful to someone else, it can be upsetting to most people. So... I think the best way for me to go about this is to step back and see if my actions are or may harm someone physically, financially, or emotionally. The last one isn't easy see most of the time... But I'm working on it...