I think some women do it naturally, they know they drive the guy crazy but there is nothing they could do about themselves (my ex might have been like that, I don't hate the girl and don't really blame her)
For some women it's the latest word in fashion, they think they get respect from other women when they do some serious manipulation. Can't blame them guys do that too.
Lastly, I know lots of girls and when they say that some guy is a complete idiot 9 out of 10 times it's true, at least in my eyes. I just shake my head and say to myself that this loser deserves to be manipulated... at least until he grows some brains...
Asparagoose I think women in your office think it's just cool to manipulate guys and any new girl who comes in has to join the gang even if it's not how she truely feels... you can't swim against the current.