5 dating games you play that get in the way of true love

We attempt to make someone jealous to make them want us more. This plan will most likely backfire, for one main reason: it’s not classy. It doesn’t make you look good, so if it’s something you have done before,….

Have you ever looked back and wondered what happened to the one that got away? Perhaps you inadvertently sabotaged something wonderful, because you were playing the typical (yet dangerous) dating games. A successful relationship requires two mature participants who know what they want and aren’t afraid to go for it. If you don’t want a hot prospect to say “game over”, avoid playing the following five dating games to increase your chances of really winning:

1. You only want what you can’t have

Even if there was great potential, this game can ruin everything. We sometimes tend to ignore someone amazing who is right in front of us, if they’re too available or too interested. Our focus gravitates towards someone unavailable — someone who is hard to get. A cultivated person will wear their heart on their sleeve, and show their interest — so unless you want someone juvenile in your life, don’t play this game.

2. You play hard to get
Ever heard the saying “if you play with fire, you’re bound to get burned”? Well if you play it too cool, you could damage things with someone who is too mature for games and doesn’t have patience for them. This person is too good to wait around for icy things to defrost. Most people see right through the hard to get game, and often will leave for someone who is showing more interest and being more open about their feelings.

3. You try to evoke jealousy
Most of us are guilty of this one. We attempt to make someone jealous to make them want us more. This plan will most likely backfire, for one main reason: it’s not classy. It doesn’t make you look good, so if it’s something you have done before, try not to repeat the mistake.

4. You give mixed signals
Noone likes to be kept guessing or to feel uncertain, especially when they like someone. One of the most attractive qualities is a mature person who is clear about their feelings and lays it out on the line, providing clarity and a mutual understanding. The best part is, you just might find that this person is looking for exactly the same thing as you, and will respect where you are coming from.

5. The withholding dance
Whether you’re withholding affection, attention, or honesty, this is a momentum killer. If things are going well, you want it to keep going forward — so don’t wait two weeks to ask someone out again, or only text them once every five days. A couple needs for things to progress in order to be successful.