I don't recall ever being manipulated in that way by a parent but my husband and my son could play me like a...harmonica. It is horrible to be in the situation. It makes me not like the person very much when they have manipulated me. And myself when I have let myself get manipulated....again. It happens. I guess we can't avoid it sometimes so why beat ourselves up.
I got to where I would freeze up and not speak at all because I didn't know what to say. That makes them mad...so now I say "I don't know what to say"
I used to jump in and say whatever came to mind...funny...I got myself so trained that I don't speak at all...it is automatic.
Hugs,
JT