i grew up with a PA mother and since i have chosen not to have her in my life it has been great!
although just before i started uni i had let her creep in again, then when she didnt get the responce she wanted ( i was firmly saying no) she rang up and left a message on my phone saying call me and leaving her phone number.. (same number since i was 6 = 20+ yrs). I again have had to make the decision not to have her im my life. because i do NOT want her manipulation in my life...
Manipulation can be in many forms.. some times it is confronting to know that behaviours you think are ok, someone else thinks is NOT.

ETA: jen.. that is my mum too!