I would like to agree LC but there is too much evidence to suggest that contrary.
Hypothesis:
Husband wants wife to do something. Wife is not in favor.
Husband attempts to manipulate the situation and accomplish what he believes is a good thing. Wife sees this effort as a mind game and refuses to play.
Where does the fault lie? What does this accomplish?
Excellent reply. I think if we take 'mind games' as a neutral term, then it is actually a very natural, instinctive reaction/strategy toward many situations and feelings we experience daily. I will not hold it equal to 'manipulation' because unlike manipulation, 'mind games' are not always done with negative intentions or do not always have negative intended outcomes. Sometimes normal reactions or ways to deal with things are classified as mind games. Heck, sometimes 'crying' over a hurtful situation is classified as a mind game :S