I had a friend who was very much into psychology and body language. Once upon a time I wanted to be with him. He, on the other hand, just wanted to toy with me.
For example:
1 - Seen him in for the first time in 5 years, he sounds super excited to see me. I turn up and he refuses eye contact and spends his time watching the TV. He offers me a drink, I ask for a beer, he wanted me to have wine. I said a beer if fine, but he really wanted me to have wine.
Then at the end of the night kept touching my shoulders, squeezed my knee, offers to give me a foot rub and neck rub. Then 10 mins before I'm due to leave, he tries it on with me.
2 - Keeps blowing hot and cold - Would text me several times a day. Other times I would have to wait a few days/a week for a response
3 - Constantly breaking dates with me (7-8 times in a row) but sounding genuinely sorry and begging for forgiveness
4 - Endlessly flirtatious texts/emails, I'd ignore it and chat as friends. He'd layer it on even thicker, so I'd respond back a bit flirty and he suddenly stops
5 - Mid conversation, he'd change the subject and comment on something I've said/done which he knows would embarrass me
6 - Encourages me to behave in a certain way, then when do, he makes me feel bad about myself and shames me
There's probably more that I haven't picked up on. Obviously this is some sort of emotional manipulation. Does anyone know what it is called? Any material on this I can read? How to guard against it? etc