So if I manipulate you into doing something because I thought it was in your best interest, it isn’t manipulation anymore?

Let’s say I know you’re drunk and don’t want you to drive. I trick you into giving me your keys by pretending to want to put away your coat. Is that manipulation?

Some would say it’s ethical because you’re preventing potential harm. Some would say it’s unethical because you are lying and deceiving someone and essentially forcing them to do something against their will.

I honestly just think manipulation goes hand and hand with communication. Almost anything we say is an attempt to sway people to our viewpoints, consciously or not. Manipulation isn’t bad or good, it just is.