Why do some people enjoy playing with others' emotions?

Because people are evil.
Because it is a form of power that some find irresistible .
Because for some they are not happy unless they are making others miserable .

A guy like that should only be allowed to do that to you once. After that one occasion, cut off all contact with him and let him take his game playing elsewhere.

Who knows
Something in the unpleasant part of human nature

I guess some people are emotional sadists.

If he invites you again, accept by saying something like, “Sure thing! I’ll be there on Wednesday morning at 5 AM with some fine, Colombian flake”.

If anyone gives you grief over the cocaine reference, tell them, “What coke? By fine Colombian flake, I meant Shakira!” ;-)

There is no way for you to know what gain another person gets for playing out their own particular script. But you can rest assured that they have a script all set and when you enter into it you are acting according to their plan and giving them what they are seeking. If it is detrimental to you, you have to consciously change the script. The best way is to bow out. You can not invoke a confrontation and expect an honest reply. Often they themselves are unaware and not capable of that level of self awareness that it would take to answer it. What you can do is be aware of it yourself and move on to more productive relationships and maybe some self examination if you find yourself drawn to this type of negative relationship again and again. Determine what it is that you are getting from playing your part and maybe some therapy to help you resolve whatever the issue may be. The first step is being able to recognize a pattern, then stepping far enough back to view the situation from a distance.

Some people love drama and arguments.

Some people are narcissists who just don’t care about others’ feelings.

Some people are clueless idiots.

The first two cannot be changed. The third, there may be hope for.

“It would be a waste of my energy and voice to be honest.”

Energetic voice is never wasted upon honesty.

Reasonable answers for narcissistic behavior is.

I’ve been thinking about this a bit.

People can’t play with other’s emotions more than one small initial try unless they have permission. And, really, anyone who treats another like that is not worth having in one’s life.

And if it is a family member, it’s time to set boundaries and stop the games.

@zenvelo co-workers do all the freaking time.
Some Bosses have.
You are right about the initial try, but some times you don’t have a choice but to be around these people, example =work.

And sometimes they’re sociopaths who are so good at manipulating people it takes a while to catch on.

It could be any number of reasons. People just tend to suck in general.

Totally agree @DrasticDreamer , people in general just plain suck, from greed to bullying, to like this question playing with ones emotions.

People are magnificent.

Unresolved trauma sucks. Especially when it causes people to be less than magnificent.

Fall asleep to this for a few nights in a row and see if it doesn’t offer another outlook.

“Fear. Bullys want to feel ‘better than’. Bullying is for cowards. Especially in packs.” One of my favorite quotes from a newer friend here. (hugs)
I think some are extraordinarily unhappy and wish to share or put it upon others, at the expense of their own morals or character. Striking out usually in more ways than one.
Don’t feel bad at what an insecure bully (ies) does. That invitation was done to either have a laugh at another’s expense- yours, or he was jealous of something you have or your character.
Karma’s wheel turns “as surely as day follows night.” It all comes around to balance and teach those aware enough- perhaps smart enough- to learn. Many don’t, and repeat ad nausium. He will continue such, only with others being involved. You may not be there to experience and watch when it happens, because your positive pathway keeps going forward.
Some wonderful things come to you after such bullying actions and attempts. Be aware of them as such. Enjoy and relax.
His true character?....he hasn’t any. Cowards don’t.
I’m sorry this happened to you.
Pick up, keep going and surpass. What is it the English say- Stay Calm and Carry On?
Awareness of such actions will eventually cause you to pity such….or perhaps not.
You’ll do well. Hang in there.
Take care. ;)

Some people are just very insecure and selfish. They put others down, to make themselves feel better about themselves. It is very sadistic and immoral in my view. I had a friend like this, suffice to say we are friends no longer.