Psych Out Anyone

Stay in control of any situation with these easy solutions.

Trash talk might work on the basketball court, but tell the clerk at the DMV that her mama is fat and you'll be riding the bus. Here are five types of trouble, and the psychological subterfuges that'll put you in control.

YOUR GIRLFRIEND'S EX 

Sure, he knows how she trims her topiary. So what? "Make it look like you're a very strong couple without becoming possessive or jealous," says Tracey Cox, author of Superdate. Subtly put your hand on the small of your girlfriend's back to show him who's in control. And, no matter what the ex says, stay cool.

A FASHION SNOB 

You're in jeans, he's in a suit. Take control of the situation and offer a sidebar apology to the host and laugh it off. "Just be yourself," says Ben Widdicombe, who writes the "Gatecrasher" gossip column for the New York Daily News. "No one who's self-confident is underdressed."

A WOULD-BE MUGGER

It's late, and you're being followed. "Walk confidently with your back straight, shoulders square, and head up," says John Whitman, president of Krav Maga Worldwide and a fourth-degree black belt in the freestyle fighting art.  "Nothing is as intimidating as calm confidence under pressure."

A LOVE RIVAL

"Look for signals to see whom she prefers," Cox says. Are her feet pointed toward you? Is she holding her drink in front of her chest, a defensive pose? If so, make a move that ditches the loser. "Women understand what you're doing. If she wants to, she'll play along," Cox says.

YOUR POKER BUDDIES

Confidence kills in poker. "I have to make them think they have the upper hand," says 1998 world champ Scotty Nguyen. Nguyen also talks a little trash. "Every player is different, baby, but the game is the same," he says. "I have to throw them off theirs. It's the only way, baby!" Start by calling everyone at the table "baby."

Published by Men’s Health, October 31, 2006.