Every girl knows that guys like the chase. We’ve learned that playing hard to get is often an effective strategy in getting the guy – or a raise, that fancy apartment or avoiding a traffic ticket. And a lot of times it works like a charm, but there are times when it will get you nowhere fast. The key is recognizing when you might be pushing it just a little too far, and dialing it back. So how can you tell when it’s going to backfire?
- It’s an entry level job, but you were hoping for something higher up the ladder. First job offer out of school? Take it. You need the experience, and as long as the offer is reasonable, you won’t get anywhere by holding out for more. There are 100 more applicants with the same resume as you. Count yourself lucky that you managed to stand out at all.
- You want a seat on the subway, but you’ll barely fit in the only one open. It’s rush hour. A spot crammed into the corner is all you are going to get. If you wait for the next one, you might not even get that.
- You won’t make weekend plans until you know your crush isn’t going to ask you out. Don’t blow off your friends on the off chance that some guy will ask you out at the last minute. They’ll stop inviting you out if you can never make a commitment, and besides, he should know you have better things to do than wait around for him.
- You’re waiting for just one more markdown on that designer dress. It is already half price, so just buy it. You’ll regret it if you wait a week, only to find out some girl who knows a deal when she sees it already snatched it up.
- You really want a cookie but you’re counting calories. Sticking to a meal plan is a good idea. But not occasionally indulging will lead to the world’s biggest junk food haul. Be willing to bend and you’re a lot less likely to break when it really matters.
- You’ve already slept with him, but you’re playing hard to get. He already got what he wanted. Face it, you have no leverage left. Unless you’re the best he’s ever had, he’ll move onto the next if you suddenly decide to lock down your vagina.
- You and your friend like the same guy and you don’t want to cause a fight. If you don’t let him know you’re interested, she will. Then you’ll be out of luck.
- Your boss wants you to work on a project you think is beneath you. Every boss wants employees who are willing to do whatever it takes to get noticed. Maybe the project isn’t exactly what you had in mind, but go above and eyond what is expected, and you will be number 1 on her list when something bigger comes up.
- You’re really not interested in the guy who keeps asking you out. Don’t be subtle. Tell him in no uncertain terms that you will not be going out with him. Ever. Don’t leave any room for interpretation, because those persistent types can sometimes turn into stalkers.
- A Ryan Gosling lookalike wants you but you haven’t said yes to a date. You don’t have to throw yourself at him, but he’ll be able to tell if you are just playing games, and it will only fuel his confidence. Look at Emma Stone in Crazy, Stupid, Love. She wasn’t interested until she was genuinely interested. And she got the guy.
