On the other hand, talking about manipulation, actually I still feel this comes back to myself, but this is quite natural because indeed when we have money, whether it's important or not, as long as we want it, even if it's for a moment, we will definitely buy it and it will happen to you.
I think that something like this doesn't only happen to you, but most people have experienced this.
You can also confess it directly to them and I think they will understand you. A hammer is more superior than a nail so it's better to be a hammer. Money is only just a thing so it should not control us. There are still ways to live properly with a less money on hand and some people have proved it already. These people are in fact more happier now.