Magic, Actually you have answered your own question/suggestion...focus on yourself, drop the rope and not worry about what he thinks of you.
Don't play games...it will only bite you in the rump at some point. Be authentic in everything you do. Honesty is the best way to go.
If you need further input, I suggest that you go back and re-read your threads. There are a number of good suggestions/advice in those and they don't need to be rehashed again.
Ultimately, you have to decide what works best for YOU. Do you feel better about yourself when you put the focus on you and drop the rope? If you do, then you know what you need to practice on and become a success at it...live your life to the fullest. Happy, positive people attract people.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
