Well...manipulation is when people use indirect ways to make you feel a certain way, or act a certain way. For example...if I'm tired and getting ready for bed. My husband says " sigh..well, good night then"
See...subtle. it's his way of showing that he is mad that I'm going to bed instead of spending time with him. But...he's done it to make me feel guilty. Which isn't right. If you want someone to spend time with you, just ask. You shouldn't try to subtely make them feel badly.
That's just...mean. in my opinion.