I had a disagreement with a friend that escalated into them trying to make me feel sorry for them and apologize so they'd "be right." This has been their m.o. for getting their way for most of their life. It works at their job, it worked in their marriage until he said no more, and it worked and still works with their parents. That wasn't going to happen tonight. Instead of bending, I chose to stand up for myself and said, "I've had enough of this manipulative attempt. I think it's time for you to leave." After they continued to behave like that, I said, "I already told you to go. Leave now." I had to interrupt them while they were trying to repeat the same thing that escalated things to begin with. Interestingly, I remained outwardly calm the whole time. Inwardly, though, I was ready to scream "getthef---outofmyhomeyouf-------psycho!"
I don't like being manipulated like that, it's wrong. If they want to stick with their "poor me" about everything then they can go do it elsewhere.
Nothing they said they were having troubles with is not something I've been having troubles with too. The difference it's that I've worked on mine and it got better. I was fortunate enough to keep working at it even when it didn't help because better was all I could get.
I'm sure I made some errors here. I really feel like they were pushing my buttons and that's not ever ok.