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He wants to court. She wants games. Now what?
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Question: I've just met a woman who I'm interested in, but in these early stages it seems we're playing the classic "games" of who-calls-whom, etc. Any advice for getting past this stage or do I just have to play? Most women I speak with say they don't want to play games. I'm not convinced. How do they really want to courted by guys?   -- Uncertain, Sunnyvale, Calif.
 
 
  Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D. answers: It's confusing. All women don't feel the same about who pays, who plans, and who opens the door. For starters, play it like a "tennis match." Lob an invitation in her direction. If you get an enthusiastic response, the game is on and you just have to keep the ball rolling. If her response isn't exactly enthusiastic, but not a definite "no," give her some time to think about it. Getting a volley (or simple rapport) going -- you take the lead sometimes, she takes the lead other times -- is best.

Start traditionally. Ask her out, plan the date, pay the bill, and pay attention to her response. A modern-thinking woman will likely make her feelings known. Be open to them. Perhaps she'll follow up with an invitation to dinner at her house, or by suggesting the sort of restaurant she likes. Begin with old-fashioned courtesy, then try being a little more relaxed and see how she reacts.

You need to find what both of you enjoy. Pay attention to cues: If you go to a noisy dance place and she's trying to talk, say "It's really noisy here, isn't it?" if she agrees, ask her if she'd like to go somewhere to talk. If, instead, she's having a great time dancing, keep on boogeying. Then, the next time you call, don't simply ask her if she had a good time on the date -- instead, ask her what she liked best about the time you spent together, and what she'd like to do in the future.

Above all, be as honest as you can, and listen to what she says. And have a great time. If all goes well, you'll both remember these initial moments forever.

 
 
 
  David Wygant answers: It seems like you are a little guilty of playing games while trying to determine if she is playing a game. Stop thinking about who should call whom and pick up the phone and give her a call. The more time you spend worrying about strategy -the more time she has to ponder questions like -- does he like me, should I call him, etc.?

Woman love the check-in call and I believe the person who stops trying to find ways to manipulate or strategize the beginnings of relationship will open things up and allow the other person to understand your intentions.

You need to have fun and the minute you decide to have fun and call someone when you feel like it is the minute the games will cease.

 
 
 
  The Insightful Dater answers: You aren't comfortable with "games, " but you aren't convinced women don't want to play them.

Try something outlandish. Be honest and tell her you feel uneasy about how things are going and you aren't clear about her expectations. (This addresses your concerns over "how" this women wishes to be courted.) Tell her you're stressed out about when to call or when to talk or what to do, and indeciveness isn't your style. Tell her you want to spend more time getting to know her, but the protocol (who calls whom) is a little awkward. Say it really doesn't matter to you and that you are not sure why you are worried about it (you could even ask her if she is worried about it).

Being honest may either disarm her (relax her and get you past this games stage) or call her on her behavior (in a non-threatening manner) and get her to see you are a straight-up kind of guy who doesn't play those games.

The best case scenario is that a little honesty will take you past the games stage and on to a level where you can both safely share your time with each other, get to know one another, and set a foundation for trust in your relationship.

There is no right answer about how to court women. You can find out about this girl's expectations for the early stages of a relationship so you know how to hit your marks. This is also a good time to let her know what your expectations are as well.

Ahhhh, honesty...so underrated.

 
 
 
  David WygantDavid Wygant is recognized as one of the world's premier dating authorities. He has advised celebrities and everyday people about transforming quality of their lives by meeting "that special someone" through his books and audio courses, public-speaking engagements, and one-on-one coaching. He has been a featured dating expert on more 1000 radio and television shows including Dateline, ABC News, CBS Good Morning, MTV, Fox News, The Learning Channel, BBC, and WB and in publications including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Daily Herald, The Dallas Morning News, The Boston Globe, The Philadelphia Enquirer, New York Magazine and Marie Claire Magazine. Wygant is on the Web datingsteps.com
 
 
 
  Tina B. TessinaTina B. Tessina, Ph.D., is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in Long Beach, Calif. since 1978 and author of 11 books in 14 languages, including "It Ends With You: Grow Up and Out of Dysfunction," "How to Be a Couple and Still Be Free" and "The Unofficial Guide to Dating Again." She publishes the "Happiness Tips from Tina" e-letter, and hosts "The Psyche Deli: delectable tidbits for the subconscious" on www.WPMD.org and www.BookCrazy.net. She has written and been interviewed for many national publications, including Cosmopolitan, Maxim, and TimeOnline.com. Online, she's known as "The Dating Doctor" and "Doctor Romance" and is the resident dating expert on CouplesCompany.com. Browse and order books or her free newsletter: Happiness Tips from Tina at tinatessina.com
 
 
 
  The Insightful Dater provides a view of the dating scene from the perspective of a young professional, living in a major metropolitan area.
 
 
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