He'll notice you precisely because you didn't notice him. Players expect to be worshipped by everyone around, and he'll wonder why his magic didn't work on you.
You don't have to be outright rude to him. Just look completely uninterested, like you have better things to do than to talk to him.
If they're called out, they're less likely to continue trying to manipulate you. For example, if someone's trying to say something didn't happen the way you know it did, you might say, "I can see that you're trying to gaslight me and I don't appreciate it. I know what happened."
He might try to deny it, but don't let him fool you. Once he knows that you know, he'll get the message that you don't want to see him anymore. You could say, “I know you've been playing me” or, “I know you're seeing other people behind my back.”
"The best revenge is living well." Act as if whatever happened that provoked your revenge affected you in no way. Put up barriers and get on with things as you always do. Even if you're stuck in a jam because of what someone has done to you, hold your head up high and don't let them see how it has hurt you.
How do you stop people playing mind games with you?
The best way to deal with mind games is simply to rise above them. You should avoid trying to 'beat them at their own game', as doing so can actually end up with both of you getting hurt.
So the only way to win a player's heart is to be the one person – the only person – who can knock him off his game. But then you must build 'em back up, electrifying his mind, body, and spirit, by being the challenger who's always just one step ahead.
Don't be available if they ask you out the day-of, or even the day before. Flirt with them, but don't make them think they have you in the palms of their hands. Give them compliments about their appearance or personality, but don't tell them how much you love them (or even like them). Make a player work for it.
We know it's hard but try not to take abuse personally, they don't even know you! Humor can be a great way to defuse situations and could help the abusive player to calm down and regain perspective. Use this as an opportunity to let players know what behavior you will not accept.
It can show who a person truly is and what they really think of people. Someone who sees others as below them is someone who is judgemental and close-minded. None of us is better than anyone else, but the toxic person is so insecure they can't accept that.
To deal with them, you may need to learn how to play a narcissist at their own game. So how to play a narcissist's game? An excellent place to start would be to ignore their games instead of playing it yourself, make yourself a priority and set healthy boundaries so they can't take advantage of you.
