We have all been through that awkward middle school phase where boys and girls send messages through friends about the people they like, and we have all entered high school, experienced similar things, and said to ourselves, ‘Uch I feel like I’m in middle school again.' But, the truth of the matter is mind games are never ending. One would hope that entering into college would mean the end of the tests, non-verbal trivial and stupid implied messages. However, that is a completely unrealistic hope. So, boys, here are a few of my all time favorite games, and by favorites I mean the ones I enjoy laughing at the most because I view them to be absolutely ridiculous.
1. The waiting x amount of time to text back
Boys, have you ever noticed that sometimes when you take a while to text a girl back, her response is as delayed as yours was? And maybe, that puts you on the edge of your seat? That, I can guarantee, is almost never an accident. This is probably a game you guys play with us too, but here's a little insight as to what goes through our minds, and why we do this. Stress: you guys stress us out when you take forever to answer. And by forever, I mean even 20 minutes can seem like an eternity depending on what the conversation is about. Playing hard to get is a typical method employed by far too many people, and delaying text messages is another form of just that. Making you guys stress a little by us not answering immediately makes us seem less interested, busy, unconcerned, or not as desperate. Whether this method actually works or not is up in the air. I almost wonder if you guys even notice, but let's be honest, probably not.
Here's why this tactic is ridiculous: making boys think you're uninterested is stupid! If you are interested, be clear about it! That’s the surest way they will know to make a move because, let's be real, no one likes rejection!
2. Flirting with someone else in front of the crush. Jealousy works wonders, but not actually...
There’s a phrase that goes, all's fair in love and war, but let me ask you this simple question: why is war necessary? Jealousy at times ignites strong emotions, and that can definitely backfire. Sorry if this is slightly offensive to all you males out there, but a lot of times you guys are oblivious and need to be told what’s out there. If flirting with another guy in front of your crush gives you more confidence, by all means go for it, but just know that that could also make it seem like you don’t like them, which many guys would take at face value. We as females overanalyze everything. Guys don’t. Try stepping into their shoes and think about how they will see things.
3. Waiting to ask your crush to a date event to not seem desperate and over enthusiastic
Why would anyone do this?! The longer you wait, the better the chances are that someone else will ask them! In addition, if you ask earlier and it’s a guy you aren’t very close with but you want to get to know better, there's a bit of time to text and get to know them before the date event, which could easily lead to a better outcome in the end. And the sooner the guy knows that you are interested, the longer they have to think about the event, get excited and realize how awesome you are! Waiting may seem like it has some advantages, but let's say they can’t go; you may have to scramble to find another date, and we all know that’s no fun.
4. Pretending to not see your crush out, and then act surprised when you do
Some girls pretend to not see their crush out so that it seems like they aren’t looking for them. Some do it so they seem busy and like they have a lot of friends and aren’t concerned with just the guy. But let's be real, when you are out is one of the best times to talk to your crush. You’ll see your friends during the week and after the party, but when you are out and see your crush, circumstances are ideal to get to know each other better and maybe say a few things you wouldn’t say otherwise if you know what I mean… Also, guys will respect a girl who approaches them. Like I said before, no one likes rejection, so going up to the guy is probably a refreshing change for them and also takes some pressure off. Be flirty, be more assertive than you would be otherwise. It’s a great way to get the ball rolling sooner!
5. Pretending to be uninterested when you actually are...
This method overlaps with parts of the other games, so I’ll try not to be incredibly redundant. Instead, I’m going to talk (again) about how incredibly stupid this method is! WHY would anyone think making their crush think they AREN’T interested is a good thing? This may, in some people’s minds, allow the guy to fight for you or chase you, but more times than not, it will push them away. The college environment is such that there are so many options and possibilities, so if one doesn’t seem promising, and the guy thinks it probably won't play out, they can move on to the next option quickly.
If you are interested in someone, say it because the best way to get what you want is to say exactly what you want. Being mature and communicative can do wonders for potential relationships. We all complain at times about feelings like we are still in middle school playing these petty mind games, so if that's true, stop! It’s a simple answer. We are all adults and are capable of acting as such, so please, I dare you, give me any number of good reasons why we should continue acting like middle schoolers?
