Spot a Manipulator
The behaviour is different between females and males, and there is overlap.
Certain situations and environments in childhood trigger a manipulator to be made.
Even silent treatment is a form of abusive manipulation, even if it appears to be nothing.
Those with empathy try to connect; those without empathy manipulate instead.
It's not black & white; there are different types of empathy and several forms of manipulation.
All situations can be tested, researched, double check and observed for one’s own benefit.
“To catch a cat burglar, catch them in the act.”
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/communication-success/201406/how-to-spot-and-stop-manipulators
https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-to-spot-manipulation
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/behavior/7-signs-of-manipulative-behavior/
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-manipulative-behavior-5220502
https://www.verywellhealth.com/manipulative-behavior-5214329
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/signs-manipulation
https://www.mindtools.com/axtfdfb/dealing-with-manipulative-people
https://www.talentsmarteq.com/9-signs-youre-dealing-with-an-emotional-manipulator/
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/emotional-manipulation