Dear Doppleganger,
That is a great statement. I hope I can remember that one. I don't think I get the flatery manipulation. I get the blame manipulation. It's all your fault so you owe me now. I know when my kids were young they would do extra chores or be really nice and I would just ask "What do you want?" And then I would hear " Nothing " several times before they came out with it.
Maybe that worked with his mom so he thought he would try it on you.
Hugs,
MG