Is it something intrinsic to the English culture?

First off, please understand, this question is NOT baiting. I'm 1/2 English, my mother and all that side of my family is from London. I haven't spoken to any of them in years because they are all such users and manipulators. Then a couple years ago, I met another Englishman and we hit it off and became great friends, almost like a family feeling. Then, just a few months ago, he started becoming very manipulative - i.e. if I'm unwilling to do whatever he wants I'm either being unreasonable or mean. I finally told him he was going to have to behave or he wouldn't be welcome company anymore. Now he's off in a huff and won't speak to me. Is being manipulative an integral part of the culture, or have I just had a run of very bad luck?