I'm a 45-year-old divorced man looking for a serious relationship with a Filipina woman. Is playing hard to get still effective at my age?

While some believe playing hard to get is less effective with age, it can still add intrigue. Focus on genuine interest and knowing when to ease off the strategy. Authenticity is key at any age.

I travel frequently. How can I incorporate playing hard to get into my lifestyle?

Use your travel schedule to your advantage. Be less available, but communicate when you can. The occasional mysterious picture from a new location can fuel intrigue.

I'm interested in a Ukrainian woman. How do I avoid coming across as manipulative when playing hard to get?

Transparency is key. Don't ghost or mislead. Limit availability while still showing genuine interest and respect for her time. Be upfront about your feelings when the time is right.

How do I know when to stop playing hard to get and reveal my true self?

Look for signs of genuine interest and investment from the other person. If they are consistently making an effort to connect, it's time to reciprocate more openly.

As a 60-year-old widower seeking a Chinese woman, is this strategy still relevant?

While directness is valued at any age, controlled unavailability can still build anticipation. However, prioritize honesty and respect throughout the process. Open communication is crucial.

Playing Hard to Get Can Work, But on One Condition

A man playing hard to get while conversing with a woman.

Oddly enough, playing on your unavailability can be attractive.

Playing hard to get can be a successful strategy in the dating game. It adds intrigue, anticipation, and value to the relationship, making the pursuit more exciting for both parties.

However, not everybody is on board with playing this game, especially if they're older and want to settle down. But what older people don't realize is that there is something about being unavailable that makes someone desirable.

It's kind of like a game of cat-and-mouse. You go into this elaborate, misleading chase that can seem pointless until you catch the mouse; then, it gets satisfying.

But this doesn't mean it will work 100% of the time. It's a double-edged sword. If you don't play your cards right, it will surely backfire. So, you better be sure of what you're doing before playing.

How the game works

There are multiple mischievous ways to get people interested in you. And when done with authenticity, you can have this little game of yours in the bag.

1. Captivate the person

Maintaining a sense of mystery about yourself can pique curiosity and interest. People are naturally drawn to things they don't fully understand.

You can do this in many ways, from leaving hints about your personality to exaggerating a wild story and ending it on a cliffhanger. But the most effective way to captivate a person is to never fully answer a question.

Why? I can't say…😏

2. Don't be available all the time

Live your own life and establish boundaries. This independence and inaccessibility can make you more appealing, as it adds value to your time and attention.

3. Take it slow

Slow and steady wins the race. Pacing the progression of a relationship allows both parties to enjoy getting to know each other, making the final connection more meaningful.

4. Let them put in the most effort

People place a higher value on things they have to work for.

Playing hard to get implies that a potential partner must invest time and effort into the relationship, making it more rewarding when successful.

5. Ignite their curiosity through flirting

Playful flirting is a great way to keep things interesting. Drop hints about your interest; don't explicitly state it and dive deep unless you're already in a relationship. Leave them with a sense of uncertainty.

Know when to stop

Although it's enjoyable at the moment, there should come a time when you should relax and allow your true self to shine through.

The problem is that recognizing the right moment to stop can be difficult for some to control when they've gone deep into the rabbit hole.

So, stop when they show genuine interest.

When you've got a fish on the hook, you just can't leave it there, exhausting itself. You either cut the line or reel it in.

Metaphor aside, playing hard to get is not for the faint of heart. But as long as you can stop, you can be where you need to be—in a loving relationship.