Sometimes people really are dishonest, at least in their motives

I've found that simply being more aware lets me catch when this is happening, then to not allow it in my perspective. Like if someone is trying to manipulate me I can see it and let them know through words and body language that that isn't how I work and if they don't like it I don't need them in my life. It's like demanding unconditional love. Like if you have conditions I am supposed to be filling you're going to find out that while I might fill them sometimes, it's not because you demand it of me.

So I think there are some subtleties to receiving, like not feeling roped into returning the favor, obviously sometimes we will, but I like to make sure it's in my own way and not because I feel obligated for some reason (conditioning)

Hopefully that was on topic, I know I kind of veered off with this comment