I don't use the word manipulative unless describing a predator type person who poses a threat. All behavior seeks to satisfy a need. It's up to everyone to decide how they will respond to how others are seeking something. Attention is not a bad thing for someone to ask for, but it sounds like you felt threatened by the way by this person was asking for your attention. I may have ignored it or followed up later to ask if they were really okay, but you seem to have settled it for yourself.