Why is it that women are raised to believe that we need to play ridiculous games to keep a guy interested? After all, it’s complete BS, and all it does is make us look dramatic, immature, and petty. In fact, it makes us just as bad as many of them are, albeit in different ways. While some people claim you have to be a little underhanded to get what you want, that’s ridiculous. Here’s why I refuse to play dating games and always will.
- It’s exhausting. Who really has the time for this crap anymore? I hate the fact that if a guy I’m into texts me and I’m around and can respond right away, I’m encouraged not to because then I’m “too available.” The reality is that I’m legit laying on the couch in my pajamas having a Netflix marathon — but yes, I should definitely lie and pretend I’m too busy for him.
- Being yourself is the truth from the start. I’d rather be upfront and honest right from the beginning. I don’t want some guy who needs to try to analyze if I’m actually interested when I know I am. Plus, if I don’t make it clear, he can easily swipe someone else who will. Why risk it? I’m not going to throw myself at him and declare my undying love on the first date, but I’m also not going to act like I couldn’t care less.
- We deserve what we want and we don’t need to sugarcoat it. I shouldn’t need to hide behind cryptic words and dishonest availability to lure a man into caring about me. It should come naturally. There’s nothing natural about carefully strategized response times and playing coy. I am who I am; he can take it or leave it. I’m not prepared to give the impression that anything goes and that I won’t speak up when my needs aren’t being met.
- It’s old and outdated advice. We live in a modern, allegedly more evolved world. And yet, we’re still holding onto the ancient logic we still need to take part in some long, drawn-out (not to mention fake) mating ritual to keep a potential partner interested. The rule book seriously needs an update.
- Games are for children. Dating games might have been cool in high school, but as an adult, it’s completely pointless to play make-believe. Do as you say and say as you do, or get the hell out of my way. I’m not a kid anymore and I shouldn’t have to put up with this. I refuse to play dating games in large part because I’m a grown-ass woman. Isn’t this common sense?
- It leads to overanalyzing. Playing unnecessary games only leads people to overanalyze situations that really don’t need to be dissected, and you can end up reading things the wrong way. Again, why risk it? If you start things off by being honest and direct about how you’re feeling and what you want, there’s never a chance for the BS to start. That’s the approach I’m most comfortable taking.
- It’s unnecessary stress. Do you really like freaking out waiting for him to text back for hours? Sure, that moment of complete relief when he finally responds is satisfying as hell, but you know you’re just going to go through that multiple more times before you hopefully and maybe get into a relationship with him. What’s the point? I’m not here for that nonsense.
- It sucks all the fun out of dating. Playing dating games isn’t just exhausting, confusing, and completely childish in many ways, but it’s also literally zero fun. It gets people hurt, builds up false hopes, and makes us all a little nuts when it could just be simple. If you like a guy, act like it. Be yourself. The right person for you will play by your genuine rules, and it’ll be a lot more fun in the long run.
