Don't take this the wrong way, I'm not trying to be negative, but I sometimes get
strength from this visual in my head when I feel scared or that manipulation is headed my way:
I picture this big mean looking cat that is "toying" with me. Pawing at me, knocking me around and the cat is enjoying it, smiling. When I decide I've had enough (happens very quickly now) I stand up to the cat. I back the cat down.
The cat can see it in my eyes and posture and hear the determination in my voice. Sometimes the mouse is armed. The point is, I'm fed up with being "toyed" with for someone else's enjoyment and gratification, cause that's what it is. The cat leaves me alone.