Media and pop culture have played up the stereotype of the womanizing man to no end. From Tony Stark in Iron Man and Jacob Palmer in Crazy Stupid Love to Joey Tribbiani in Friends and Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl, many television shows and movies have that quintessential good-looking dude who effortlessly moves from one beautiful lady to another. You know you shouldn't love them, but their charming ways always win out in the end.

Reality, however, is an entirely different story. The ladies' man may make you swoon with his gestures and words, but if you let your guard down too soon, you may just end up with a broken heart. If you ever find yourself on the receiving end of an alleged womanizer's attention, here are tips to help you stay cool and collected.

(Originally published as "Dealing with a Ladies' Man: How to Not Get Swept Off Your Feet" on Female Network; all photos from Gossip Girl courtesy of The CW)