I think assuming everything is manpulation is a stretch.
I was thinking about this more last night. IMO manipulation happens when words and actions don't match.
I looked up the definition of manipulation as follows " to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage".
So she texts you that she "love you". Does her actions match her words?
I looked up the definition of "love" as follows: "unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another"
So based on the information above her it looks like her actions are NOT matching her words.
So lets go back to the definition of manipulation: " to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage".
It’s a huge comfort to know that she has you to fall back on if things go badly for her. You've already proven that you'll jump at the "I love you" breadcrumbs thrown your way. You need to pull that safety net away entirely.
She needs to fully believe that you will not be there for her if she chooses to return, and that if she wants to come back she's going to have to work for it.
You can't tell her that, she'll never believe it. You have to show her that beyond a doubt with your actions.
