I feel my friend is manipulating and bullying me. anyone with a knowledge of psychology got any advice for me?

I studied three years of Psychology in college and I just finished a three year degree at university. Whilst I'm still not an expert, I can tell you that you don't need a background in psychology for this one. This man is simply possessive and controlling. Whether he wants a sexual relationship with you or whether he simply needs to feel control over you as a friend, this behaviour is unacceptable (either way). He is obviously aware of the power he can possess over others, as he told you himself that he can easily manipulate anyone. He's turning potential friends against you by allowing rumours to spread about your intentions with other men. I expect he assumes that this will bring you closer to him because fewer people will like you, and therefore he'll believe that you will feel alone and will be more likely to take comfort in him. He is also trying to eliminate your potential future partners by encouraging others to think badly of you. I'm sure this is another tactic to make you turn to him. He keeps a close eye on you to make sure you act as he wishes, and he is probably aware that you feel guilty when you aren't behaving how he wants. He definitely has a certain emotional control over you. He'll know this. It's up to you to break free from it. I expect he'll make this difficult for you, but I firmly believe that it's in your best interest to stay away from this person. If you have to, don't hang around anyone in his circle of friends. He is not your friend. Anyone who wishes to manipulate or/and control a person is not their friend, and neither is anyone who allows nasty rumours to spread about someone. The fact that these people believe him (and each other) means that they aren't good for you either. Friendships are built on trust, respect, and caring - very important qualities which seem to be completely lacking in this situation (from his side and the side of his friends). If you confront him, this guy may also try to control you (make you stay) by telling you you're wrong and that he just loves you, etc. This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. This line is used by people who beat their partners. Love does not mean you can control or manipulate someone. If you really love someone and want to protect them, you allow them to do what they need to feel safe and happy. Please take my advice and break contact with this man.