Hey, I just joined this and am already confused about how and when to do what. I am total nongeek. But, I'm glad you were brave enough to admit you can be manipulative. I had an experience this morning with husband where I pulled out all the stops-"Boo,hoo! how could you! I'm so sick, so sad so anxious!"
Then my follow up-"Oh, go ahead...it doesn't matter...Boo,hoo!"
In response, he started in-"Never mind. Humph! I'll never be able to now. No matter what you say!" Door slam.
Right now I"m actually laughing because this whole interaction was over
cutting down a tree.

I hope I'm doing this right and I'm making some sense (oops!manipulation-asking for reassurance)-