The game and dating advice for men
05-Jul-2020 23:01
In general, be coutious of new relationships from the beginning, and don't give up your power by becoming too attached before you really know the other person. Think about whether the man you are dating is simply fears commitment, or if his issues may run deeper.
Signs that he might be a good catch and just require a bit of patience include a desire for a love relationship, a general positive regard for women, past long-term relationships and a willingness to grow and work on issues, writes Kirschner.
While some men play games out of fear of commitment or rejection, others may lack empathy or a desire for intimacy.
Some see relationships only as a way of building self-esteem, serving their self-interest or obtaining other personal benefits. Once you've identified a game-playing strategy, it is time to take back control.
On the other hand, if the man you are dating seems self-absorbed, lacks empathy, does not seem to want intimacy and flirts with other women, he may be narcissistic and view relationships as games to be won, according to a 2002 paper published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, and funded in part by the University of Georgia.
If the latter is true, you will probably want to consider severing ties with this man. Think about what made you vulnerable to a man who plays games.
Becoming aware of any personal issues that may attract you to the wrong dating partners will help you find healthier relationships in the future. You can protect yourself by learning the tell-tale signs of a game player and establishing firm boundaries until you know someone well enough to be more open. Signs of a man playing games include running hot and cold -- showing interest and then withdrawing -- as well as showing too much charm early on, making false promises and outright lying, writes psychologist Diana Kirschner in her article "Dating Games Men Play" on the website Self Growth.